The TAI T625 Gokbey is a twin-engined light transport/utility helicopter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) as part of the Original Helicopter Program, coordinated by the Presidency of Defense Industries. Turkish Aerospace Industries launched the preliminary design studies in 2010. The project commenced in 2013 when Undersecretariat for Defence Industries signed a contract with the Turkish Aerospace Industries to develop a 6-ton class multi-role helicopter for land operations. Alp Aviation is responsible for production and assembly of landing gear, gearbox and dynamic components, while Spanish CESA was selected to supply hydraulic systems.
The T625 prototype expected to weigh 5 tonnes and is in the interim powered by two LHTEC (a Rolls-Royce & Honeywell Partnership) CTS800 4-AT turboshaft engines, 1,373 shaft horsepower (shp) each. The LHTEC CTS800 was chosen due to commonality with the TAI/AgustaWestland T129. TUSAS Engine Industries, a Turkish Aero-engine design and production company has begun developing a next generation indigenous powerplant for the T625 named the TS1400. The company is currently working on its first turboshaft helicopter engine TS1400. Gokbey features a four-axis dual redundant automatic flight control system, along with an ASELSAN glass cockpit with two wide touchscreen Integrated Mission Displays (8×20 inches) and two touchscreen data entry Touch Command Control Units (8×10 inches). It is designed for IFR and VFR single pilot operations, night operations and flight in known icing conditions.
The helicopter is designed for two crew and 12 passengers. The large cabin space can be arranged to meet various operational needs, such as VIP transportation, ambulance and search and rescue operations. The T625 is designed and optimized to meet and exceed the multi-mission requirements for hot & high geographical environments and for adverse weather conditions. The aircraft incorporates several new technology features to provide the highest levels of safety and operational benefits for operators. The Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries has confirmed that it has obtained a multitude of patents for various sub-systems used in the T625. On 6 September 2018, the prototype, registered TC-HLP, first flew at Ankara.
