Difference between revisions of "T129"

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(History)
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<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 +
 +
Outfitting the T129 Atak with general payload options (UMTAS, rockets, air-to-air missiles) does not make the helicopter any slower than its adversaries, in fact at times you'll easily be one of the fastest helicopters on the battlefield. The T129 Atak is able to do manoeuvres other helicopters can only dream about, even with full payload options. In Ground RB matches however, there should not be many times you'll have to move too much to avoid enemies. You are able to get good positions thanks to your speed, and, if done right, you will be able to dodge incoming missiles from enemy SPAA or jet aircraft.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
+
! rowspan="2" |Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
+
! colspan="2" |Max Speed
 +
(km/h at 1,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB !! RB
+
!AB!!RB
 
|-
 
|-
! Stock
+
!Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
+
|294||285|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
 
|-
 
|-
! Upgraded
+
!Upgraded
| ___ || ___
+
|315||305
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 39: Line 42:
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.''
+
<!--''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.-->''
 +
 
 +
The T129 ATAK is not very survivable. Like many helicopters at its battle rating, it is prone to exploding into many pieces after a hit from a missile. It does have some armour on the cockpit area, but in battles that won't really protect you from anything you'll face. The T129 ATAJ uses Kevlar boron carbide, a composite material which is limited only to instrument, floor and side panels around the cockpit. It does not provide the same level of protection as seen on other helicopters.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 53: Line 58:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* A choice between two presets:
+
* Without load
** 1 x 20 mm TM197B cannon, nose turret (500 rpg)
+
 
** 1 x 20 mm TM197B cannon + 90 x countermeasures
+
* 1 x 20 mm TM197B cannon, nose turret (500 rpg)
 +
* 1 x 20 mm TM197B cannon + 90 x countermeasures
 +
* 28 x FZ40 rockets
 +
* 76 x FZ49 rockets
 +
* 4 x CIRIT Laser Guided rocket pods
 +
* 8 x CIRIT Laser Guided rocket pods
 +
* 4 x UMTAS missiles
 +
* 8 x UMTAS missiles
 +
* 8 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
 +
 
 +
* 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
Line 68: Line 83:
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
<!--''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->''
  
'''Pros:'''  
+
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
 +
* Excellent agility
 +
* Exclusive weapons
 +
* Small silhouette
 +
* Countermeasures
 +
* Thermal imager
  
 
*
 
*
  
'''Cons:'''  
+
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
 +
* Slow missiles
 +
* Overevving the engine causes the helicopter to crash
  
 
*
 
*
Line 80: Line 104:
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->''
 +
 
 +
The story of the T129 "ATAK" dates back during the late stages of the Cold War with the making of the A129 Mangusta. The A129 began to be developed at the request of the Italian Army, whom saw the need to equip its air units with a dedicated attack helicopter with anti-tank capabilities. The A129 was the first dedicated attack helicopter fully designed and built in Western Europe. Its project began in 1978 and its final project was ready only in 1982. The A129 made its first official maiden flight on the 15th of September of 1983, at the Agusta company Cascina-Costa facilities. The flight lasted about 30 minutes. Agusta pilots were extremely happy with the results, and went on record and said that the helicopter had great handling. They had previously only performed shake down flights twice prior to the first official flight. It was given the name Mangusta by the Italian army and Agusta employees. This name was mainly chosen due to the fact that the A129 was a direct competitor of the Bell A-1 Cobra that at that time rivaled the Agusta project. (The mongoose is known for its ease in killing poisonous snakes). Flash forward a couple years later with the A129 International, an upgraded variant with new technology and armaments, it would be sent to Turkey to hopefully convince their MOD to buy the machine but ultimately despite the amazing feedback they didn't buy anything. Decades later in 2007, Turkey announced on the 30th of March that Italy (more specifically Agusta) and Turkey would work together to make a design based off the A129 Mangusta which would be known as the T129 Atak. This would be the first time ever that the A129 Mangusta would be picked up by a foreign country to possibly acquire. The reason it was picked was due to the desperate need by Turkey to fill in their Army's requirements for an Attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter. One of the main requirements for the helicopter was to have a good surface ceiling, as to allow it to work better in harsher warmer climates, as at the time that's what Turkey envisioned its troops to be stationed in for the foreseeable future. The avionics and mission equipment would be supplied by Aselsan, the engine would be license produced from the American CTS800, which was already present the A129 Mangusta, the Turkish version would be called LHTEC T800-4A. One issue with the engine would be that since its license produced, America could've veto'd any exports for the T129 if they had deemed it necessary. In terms of armament the T129 kept the 20mm M197 three-barrel Gatling-type rotary cannon that the A129 Mangusta originally had, the cannon could hold up to 500 rounds. In terms of armaments, the T129 was able to mount several different types of weapon systems such as the UMTAS ATGM, CIRIT Laser guided rockets and also several types of gun pods and air-to air missiles. The first 3 T129 helicopter prototypes would be built inside of Italy, by Italy with the help of the Turkish companies with their avionics. The T129 P1 (CSX81723) would on the 28th of September of 2009, take its maiden flight, where it flew at AgustaWestland's facilities in Vergiate, Italy. It would be flown in front of a Italian and Turkish crowd, and piloted by 1 Italian and 1 Turkish. The flight yielded great results and everyone there was happy with how the helicopter performed. After the successful flight of the Italian made T129, the project kept on being developed, and although some setbacks in terms of crashes, funding and delays, Turkey finally started production of the T129 in Turkey and had put it into service since 2014. Turkey had modified the aircraft in different phases, the one in game is the second phase. The Turkish army has utilized the machine against several different theatres of war, such as in Syria, Kurdistan and also took part in the first Turkish Coup attempt. For export the T129 was planned to be exported in Pakistan, but due to a veto on the engines from the USA the sale eventually went to the Philippines.
 +
 
 +
'''Devblog'''
 +
 
 +
In March 2007, the Turkish government began negotiations with AgustaWestland to jointly develop a new variant of the A129 Mangusta as part of their ATAK programme for the Turkish Air Force. The agreement, finalized and signed in September 2007, allowed Turkey to domestically produce the A129 airframe with several modifications being made to its avionics, weapon arsenal as well as other electronic equipment. As a result, Turkey was also allowed to export this domestic version to international third-party operators. This Turkish modification then received the designation ‘T129’.
 +
 
 +
Initially, an order for 51 units was placed, with an option for 40 more helicopters being contractually agreed upon. The first prototype was completed in 2009 and subsequently test flown in Italy at the AgustaWestland facilities. Subsequently, the first Turkish-produced prototype undertook its maiden flight in August 2011. The first units delivered to the Turkish military in 2013 failed to pass trials and were sent back for improvements. As a result, the first full production version of the T129 entered service in April 2014. In the following year, the T129 undertook its first combat mission as part of a counter-terrorism operation in the Turkish Siirt province. In 2018, T129s were also part of the Turkish Operation Olive Branch in northwestern Syria, during which one T129 was shot down by Kurdish anti-aircraft fire.
 +
 
 +
Since its introduction, the T129 has also been adopted by the Philippine Air Force that placed a production order for six T129s with the Turkish Ministry of Defense in 2020. In total around 70 T129s were manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries up until the present date.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 90: Line 124:
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:-->''
  
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
+
* [[A-129 International (p)]]
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[A129CBT]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 20:09, 18 September 2022

This page is about the gift Italian attack helicopter T129. For other versions, see AW129 (Family).
T129
t_129_atak.png
GarageImage T129.jpg
StoreImage T129 004.jpg
T129
Purchase:9 270 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game
STORE

Description

The T129 ATAK is a premium gift rank VI Italian attack helicopter with a battle rating of 9.7 (AB/SB) and 10.7 (RB). It was introduced in Update "Drone Age".

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m281 km/h
Max altitude6 096 m
Engine2 х LHTEC CTS800-4a
Take-off weight5 t

Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Outfitting the T129 Atak with general payload options (UMTAS, rockets, air-to-air missiles) does not make the helicopter any slower than its adversaries, in fact at times you'll easily be one of the fastest helicopters on the battlefield. The T129 Atak is able to do manoeuvres other helicopters can only dream about, even with full payload options. In Ground RB matches however, there should not be many times you'll have to move too much to avoid enemies. You are able to get good positions thanks to your speed, and, if done right, you will be able to dodge incoming missiles from enemy SPAA or jet aircraft.

Characteristics Max Speed

(km/h at 1,000 m)

Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 294 285 6096
Upgraded 315 305

Survivability and armour

IRCM
Protects against IR-guided missiles
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural460 km/h
Gear420 km/h

The T129 ATAK is not very survivable. Like many helicopters at its battle rating, it is prone to exploding into many pieces after a hit from a missile. It does have some armour on the cockpit area, but in battles that won't really protect you from anything you'll face. The T129 ATAJ uses Kevlar boron carbide, a composite material which is limited only to instrument, floor and side panels around the cockpit. It does not provide the same level of protection as seen on other helicopters.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB5 435 Sl icon.png
RB3 202 Sl icon.png
SB3 084 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 670 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 150 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 50 / 280 / 430 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
t_160_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
FZ49
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
IRCM
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-92 Stinger
Mods weapon.png
t_160_new_gun
Mods atgm heli preset.png
CIRIT
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Mods atgm heli preset.png
UMTAS

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Offensive armament

Main article: TM197B (20 mm)

The T129 is armed with:

  • Without load
  • 1 x 20 mm TM197B cannon, nose turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 20 mm TM197B cannon + 90 x countermeasures
  • 28 x FZ40 rockets
  • 76 x FZ49 rockets
  • 4 x CIRIT Laser Guided rocket pods
  • 8 x CIRIT Laser Guided rocket pods
  • 4 x UMTAS missiles
  • 8 x UMTAS missiles
  • 8 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
  • 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles

Suspended armament

Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent agility
  • Exclusive weapons
  • Small silhouette
  • Countermeasures
  • Thermal imager

Cons:

  • Slow missiles
  • Overevving the engine causes the helicopter to crash

History

The story of the T129 "ATAK" dates back during the late stages of the Cold War with the making of the A129 Mangusta. The A129 began to be developed at the request of the Italian Army, whom saw the need to equip its air units with a dedicated attack helicopter with anti-tank capabilities. The A129 was the first dedicated attack helicopter fully designed and built in Western Europe. Its project began in 1978 and its final project was ready only in 1982. The A129 made its first official maiden flight on the 15th of September of 1983, at the Agusta company Cascina-Costa facilities. The flight lasted about 30 minutes. Agusta pilots were extremely happy with the results, and went on record and said that the helicopter had great handling. They had previously only performed shake down flights twice prior to the first official flight. It was given the name Mangusta by the Italian army and Agusta employees. This name was mainly chosen due to the fact that the A129 was a direct competitor of the Bell A-1 Cobra that at that time rivaled the Agusta project. (The mongoose is known for its ease in killing poisonous snakes). Flash forward a couple years later with the A129 International, an upgraded variant with new technology and armaments, it would be sent to Turkey to hopefully convince their MOD to buy the machine but ultimately despite the amazing feedback they didn't buy anything. Decades later in 2007, Turkey announced on the 30th of March that Italy (more specifically Agusta) and Turkey would work together to make a design based off the A129 Mangusta which would be known as the T129 Atak. This would be the first time ever that the A129 Mangusta would be picked up by a foreign country to possibly acquire. The reason it was picked was due to the desperate need by Turkey to fill in their Army's requirements for an Attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter. One of the main requirements for the helicopter was to have a good surface ceiling, as to allow it to work better in harsher warmer climates, as at the time that's what Turkey envisioned its troops to be stationed in for the foreseeable future. The avionics and mission equipment would be supplied by Aselsan, the engine would be license produced from the American CTS800, which was already present the A129 Mangusta, the Turkish version would be called LHTEC T800-4A. One issue with the engine would be that since its license produced, America could've veto'd any exports for the T129 if they had deemed it necessary. In terms of armament the T129 kept the 20mm M197 three-barrel Gatling-type rotary cannon that the A129 Mangusta originally had, the cannon could hold up to 500 rounds. In terms of armaments, the T129 was able to mount several different types of weapon systems such as the UMTAS ATGM, CIRIT Laser guided rockets and also several types of gun pods and air-to air missiles. The first 3 T129 helicopter prototypes would be built inside of Italy, by Italy with the help of the Turkish companies with their avionics. The T129 P1 (CSX81723) would on the 28th of September of 2009, take its maiden flight, where it flew at AgustaWestland's facilities in Vergiate, Italy. It would be flown in front of a Italian and Turkish crowd, and piloted by 1 Italian and 1 Turkish. The flight yielded great results and everyone there was happy with how the helicopter performed. After the successful flight of the Italian made T129, the project kept on being developed, and although some setbacks in terms of crashes, funding and delays, Turkey finally started production of the T129 in Turkey and had put it into service since 2014. Turkey had modified the aircraft in different phases, the one in game is the second phase. The Turkish army has utilized the machine against several different theatres of war, such as in Syria, Kurdistan and also took part in the first Turkish Coup attempt. For export the T129 was planned to be exported in Pakistan, but due to a veto on the engines from the USA the sale eventually went to the Philippines.

Devblog

In March 2007, the Turkish government began negotiations with AgustaWestland to jointly develop a new variant of the A129 Mangusta as part of their ATAK programme for the Turkish Air Force. The agreement, finalized and signed in September 2007, allowed Turkey to domestically produce the A129 airframe with several modifications being made to its avionics, weapon arsenal as well as other electronic equipment. As a result, Turkey was also allowed to export this domestic version to international third-party operators. This Turkish modification then received the designation ‘T129’.

Initially, an order for 51 units was placed, with an option for 40 more helicopters being contractually agreed upon. The first prototype was completed in 2009 and subsequently test flown in Italy at the AgustaWestland facilities. Subsequently, the first Turkish-produced prototype undertook its maiden flight in August 2011. The first units delivered to the Turkish military in 2013 failed to pass trials and were sent back for improvements. As a result, the first full production version of the T129 entered service in April 2014. In the following year, the T129 undertook its first combat mission as part of a counter-terrorism operation in the Turkish Siirt province. In 2018, T129s were also part of the Turkish Operation Olive Branch in northwestern Syria, during which one T129 was shot down by Kurdish anti-aircraft fire.

Since its introduction, the T129 has also been adopted by the Philippine Air Force that placed a production order for six T129s with the Turkish Ministry of Defense in 2020. In total around 70 T129s were manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries up until the present date.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

External links


Italy helicopters
Utility  AB 205 A-1 · A.109EOA-2
Attack  A-129 International (p) · A129CBT · AH-129D · T129
Hungary  ◔Mi-24D · ◔Mi-24V · ◔Mi-24P