Launched in 2013 as
Özgün (Turkish for "original", or "indigenous"), the
Turkish Light Utility Helicopter (
TLUH ) programme is an indigenous 6-ton class, twin-engine utility helicopter, capable of carrying up to 2 crew and 12 passengers which will initially be certified by
EASA and then converted with mission equipment for Turkish military use to replace the aging UH-1H Huey.
Powered by the Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC) CTS800-4A, a joint-program between Honeywell and Rolls-Royce. The CTS800 also powers the TAI T129, an upgraded variant of the A129 Mangusta.
TAI has develop the main gearbox and transmission and started working on the prototype in 2016.
On January 2017 received TAI officially designation:
T-625 ( 6 ton gross weight, 2 engines, 5 blades main rotor ).
First flight was September 6, 2018. On December 12, 2018 named
Gökbey (Sky Lord)