Operational Purpose and Role

T-625 Gökbey is designed as a multi-role utility helicopter capable of performing:

• Troop and personnel transport
• VIP transportation
• Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Air ambulance missions
• Law enforcement and border security
• General logistics support

For the Turkish Armed Forces and security agencies, the helicopter’s primary objective is to provide a domestically developed, high-performance rotary-wing solution optimized for Turkey’s challenging geography and climate.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

Gökbey operates in the medium utility helicopter segment, providing tactical mobility at the brigade and battalion level. It is optimized for:

• High-altitude forward bases
• Rapid insertion and extraction
• Night operations (NVG-compatible)
• IFR single-pilot missions
• Disaster relief and civil emergency response

Its “hot and high” performance capability is particularly critical for mountainous operational environments.

Platform Architecture

The helicopter is built around four core subsystems:

Propulsion System

• 2 × TEI TS1400 turboshaft engines
• Approximately 1,400 shp per engine
• FADEC digital engine control
• Early prototypes used LHTEC CTS800 engines

Avionics Suite

Developed by ASELSAN, the integrated glass cockpit includes:

• Large multifunction mission displays
• Touchscreen command control interface
• 4-axis autopilot
• IFR/VFR capability
• Known-icing certification capability
• NVG compatibility

Airframe and Rotor System

• Composite main rotor blades
• Reinforced transmission system
• Crashworthy fuel system
• Energy-absorbing landing gear

Modular Mission Configuration

Cabin layout can be rapidly reconfigured for:

• 12-passenger transport
• Air ambulance configuration
• VIP interior
• Law enforcement configuration

Military protection kits or ballistic upgrades, if available, are not publicly disclosed.

Performance and Operational Capabilities

Gökbey is optimized for performance in demanding climatic conditions.

• Maximum speed: 165 knots
• Cruise speed: 150 knots
• Range: 400 nautical miles (512 nm with auxiliary tank)
• Endurance: 3.8 hours (up to 5 hours with auxiliary tank)
• Service ceiling: 20,000 ft

The twin-engine architecture ensures continued flight capability in case of single-engine failure.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

• Length: 15.87 m
• Main rotor diameter: 13.20 m
• Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): 6,050 kg
• Crew: 2
• Passenger capacity: 12

Propulsion

• 2 × TEI TS1400 turboshaft engines
• Approx. 1,400 shp each
• Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)

Certain detailed engine performance margins are not publicly disclosed.

Avionics and Flight Systems

• ASELSAN integrated glass cockpit
• 4-axis autopilot
• IFR/VFR certified
• NVG-compatible
• Known-icing operational capability

Weapon integration or military electronic warfare systems are not publicly detailed.

Deployment and Logistics

• Compatible with standard helipads and military infrastructure
• Designed for rapid role conversion
• Indigenous supply chain support structure

Personnel requirement beyond pilot and co-pilot is mission-dependent and not fully disclosed publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the T-625 Gökbey used for?

• It is a multi-role utility helicopter designed for troop transport, medical evacuation, VIP missions, SAR operations, and law enforcement tasks.
• What is its maximum range?
• Approximately 400 nautical miles, extendable to 512 nm with auxiliary fuel tanks.

What engine does it use?

• Serial production helicopters use the indigenous TEI TS1400 turboshaft engines. Early prototypes flew with LHTEC CTS800 engines.

Can it operate at high altitude?

• Yes. It has a service ceiling of 20,000 ft and is optimized for high-altitude performance.

Is it armed?

• The baseline configuration is a utility platform. Details regarding armed variants are not publicly disclosed.

How many people can it carry?

• Two pilots and up to 12 passengers.

What are its main competitors?

Comparable helicopters in the same class include:

• Leonardo AW139
• Airbus H145
• Sikorsky S-76

Gökbey’s distinguishing factor is its high level of indigenous subsystem integration, particularly in engine and avionics.

Sources

• Official product publications of Turkish Aerospace Industries
• TEI TS1400 engine public briefings
• ASELSAN avionics system disclosures
• Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) public program announcements
• 2018 first flight press releases