Turkish, Russian firms to cooperate in aviation sector

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russian aircraft manufacturer Irkut on strategic cooperation and partnership in the field of aviation.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of 5-day Dubai Airshow, which began on Nov. 12.
In a statement, TAI said the two companies will make mutual design and production in the field of civil aviation. However, it did not give out financial details of the mutual understanding.
The Turkish company is making efforts to boost its market efficiency in the Middle East.
One of the TAI’s productions T-129 Atak helicopter, which is an assault and tactical scout helicopter, made an exhibition flight at the Dubai Airshow.
The exhibition, first held in 1986 as Arab Air, is seen as one of the largest and most important aerospace events in the world.
Designed for air support and all-purpose missions, the T-129 Atak helicopter has two models, T129A and T129B. The model A is equipped with 70 millimeter rockets and 20 millimeter artillery, while the model B can fire guided anti-tank missiles and artillery ammo as well as the Stinger and laser guided missiles.
The T129A did its first flight on August 17, 2011 and was given to Turkish Land Forces on April 22, 2014 after acceptance procedures.