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Engine Value of Turkey's GE-Powered Kingcobra Attack Helicopter May Exceed $300 million

July 26, 2000

 

FARNBOROUGH - On July 21, the Turkish Government announced its selection of the Bell Helicopter Textron KingCobra, each powered by two T700-GE-701 turboshaft engines, as the winner of its attack helicopter competition.Turkey's initial requirement is 50 aircraft, with a potential total of 145 aircraft for which the engine value (including support) will exceed $300 million. With this selection, Turkey will become the largest T700 operator outside the United States. T700 engines, proven durable and maintainable in extreme environments within Turkey, currently power the nation's Bell Super Cobras and Sikorsky Black Hawk and Seahawk helicopters. In addition, CT7 turboprop engines, members of the T700/CT7 family, power Turkey's CASA CN235 tactical transports. Worldwide, T700/CT7 engines are the most popular engines in their class. More than 11,325 have been produced to power 25 different models of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in service with 130 operators in 55 countries. Tusas Engine Industries, Inc. of Eskisehir, Turkey, plans to cooperate in the production of the T700 engines for the KingCobra in a program that significantly benefits Turkish industry.