T625 GÖKBEY Helicopter Completes Cold Weather Tests
**The T625 GÖKBEY General Purpose Helicopter has successfully completed a series of rigorous cold weather tests in Sweden, marking a significant milestone in its development. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), this helicopter is a testament to Turkey’s growing independence in the aviation sector, having demonstrated its capabilities under extreme winter conditions. The tests took place in the Kiruna region, known for its challenging cold climate, and were vital for both civilian and military certification processes.**
The T625 GÖKBEY, which made its inaugural flight on September 6, 2018, was officially named by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on December 12 of the same year. After successfully completing serial production of the first three units, TUSAŞ sent the helicopters to Sweden to undergo essential testing. Over the span of one month, the helicopter faced various cold weather challenges that demonstrated its resilience and adaptability.
During the tests, ground evaluations were performed to assess the performance of the helicopter’s air conditioning systems, alongside propulsion, rotor blade, and hydraulic functionalities. With over 60 hours of flight conducted in temperatures plummeting to -30°C, the T625 GÖKBEY proved its readiness to operate in extreme environments, showcasing its robust engineering.
Additionally, the test flights included challenging maneuvers to evaluate controllability and overall flight performance. This encompassed take-off, landing, and testing speed limits, with adjustments made for the specific conditions of cold weather. The helicopter successfully demonstrated its ability to fly safely even in failure scenarios, adhering to stringent aviation safety criteria.
Ground teams, pilots, and flight test engineers at TUSAŞ meticulously executed over 600 individual test points and 60 sorties during these evaluations. Their efforts solidified the GÖKBEY’s position as a capable and reliable aircraft for various operational needs, enhancing Turkey’s presence in the global aviation market.
In related developments, it has been announced that the GÖKBEY will soon be delivered to the Gendarmerie, further expanding its role in Turkey’s aviation capabilities. As the T625 GÖKBEY continues to advance, it stands as a symbol of technological progress and national pride.
