Originally Posted by Ucar

Here are my comments about your remarks

1 - "The 20% more hovering altitude" is very vague. Can you tell us what the benchmark value is in determining this increase ? Taken from Wikipedia, this reference is not very clear. By the way I am the one who put that on Wiki :-)The benchmark is the current hovering altitude of the A-129.
2 - AH-64 units have been operating in Afghanistan, which has a geography very much like SE Turkey, if not more rugged, with a high degree of success and user satisfaction. You can check Apache unit performances and effectiveness in Operation Enduring Freedom on open sources. The AH-64 has proven itself to be a platform with exceptional CAS ability, and survivability. Haven't the apache's been grounded if not pulled back in Afghanistan?
3 - The initial ATAK project was cancelled due to a multitude of restraints. First and foremost was budget concerns. Secondly, although Turkish Armed Forces preferred AH-1 or AH-64 over any other platforms, due to problems in technology transfer, software codes and Offset obligations, the first ATAK project was cancelled. Let us remember here that AH-1 Super Cobra was the winner. Yes I do not dispute this however, when the ATAK I tender was cancelled the Turkish GDP (PPP) was about $300 billion. Today it is closer to $1 trillion. ATAK I shows that the military establishment requires 145 new attack helis. Furthermore, I work for a company which is a sub-contractor in the T-129 project. All tenders we have provided regarding a "part" we will supply to them, has been for 120 units. I am thinking you cannot have 3 times the number as spares? Unless I am mistaken.
T-129 is a second/third choice for the Turkish Armed Forces. This is a story similar to T-155 Firtina which had to be co-developed with S.Korea after German denial for the transfer of certain subsystems for a PzH2000 based system to be developed. Again true. Apache was first choice, King Cobra second, A-129 third. However, this does not mean that they are inferior. In fact, for Turkeys needs I believe that it is more than sufficient. We do not need to lock onto 250 targets. This is cold war mentality. Turkey faces asymetric threats. Especially, in Northern Iraq. If the apaches are for Thrace, I will be more than happy. However, if they are to be used in Anatolia against the PKK, I believe the Cobra's are better equipped.

Turkish Armed Forces asked for greater firepower, proven technology and ownership of all licences in both cases. When these were refused, they had to make to with second or third choices. This confirms my previous posts that Turkey is seeking self-sufficiency in arms procurement.

I do not think it is fruitful to compare a light/medium attack helicopter like the T-129 with AH-64, which itself is a benchmark among attack helicopter platforms. Let us see the T-129 fly first. I hope it does not end up like the Eryx project...