UNIDEF Starts Production of Its Indigenous Weapon Mounts for the CH-47 Chinook Platform
UNIDEF, a company that designs and produces weapon mounts for land, air, and sea platforms in line with user demands, has become a leading player in the sector with the indigenous weapon mount which is designed for CH-47 Chinook helicopters that provides advantages in both time and cost.
UNIDEF, a company that designs and produces weapon mounts for land, air, and sea platforms in line with user demands, has become a leading player in the sector with the indigenous weapon mount which is designed for CH-47 Chinook helicopters that provides advantages in both time and cost. UNIDEF has made significant strides in the Turkish defense and aerospace industry in this niche, surpassing its global competitors with a user-centric approach, as it celebrates its 10th year. UNIDEF has now entered the mass production phase for the window weapon mounts made for CH-47 Chinook helicopters and is nearing completion of the prototype it is creating for the right door of the helicopter.
As general-purpose helicopters need to engage in suppressive fire when they approach or depart from targeted areas, they require the integration of suitable weapons for this task. One of the easiest solutions for this problem is having a weapon mount that these weapons can be attached to. UNIDEF designs and produces weapon mount solutions that allow weapon integration onto air platforms without any modification to the platforms and thus has become a game-changer in the Turkish defense and aviation sector in this niche. Established in 2013 as a subsidiary of Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS), UNIDEF adopted a user-centric approach for designing and producing solutions, rather than making off-the-shelf products. By not requiring any modifications to the platform, the company not only provides significant time and cost advantages but also eliminates the need for recertification of the aircraft with the OEM. With approximately 70 each M134 Minigun integrations on various land, air, and sea platforms to date, UNIDEF has designed and developed 20 different weapon mount systems for air platforms alone, filling a significant niche.
UNIDEF Left World Giants in the Dust
Having submitted a proposal to the project initiated by the Turkish Air Force Command through the Defense Industry Agency (SSB) in 2013 for AS532 Cougar-type helicopters, UNIDEF stood out as the sole domestic company that provided a tangible solution, surpassing world-leading competitors in the field. Besides procuring the M134 Minigun, UNIDEF also possessed the design, production, reverse engineering, and analysis capabilities necessary for the integration of the armament, marking the first step in UNIDEF’s journey of weapon integration for air platforms.
The helicopters armed as part of the project then participated in joint exercises to showcase their capabilities. This drew the attention of the Turkish Special Forces Command (ÖKK), which then led to the launching of a similar project for arming the BLACK HAWK helicopters serving in the ÖKK. UNIDEF worked closely with the end-users from the inception of the project to the delivery of the final product, distinguishing itself once again by designing tailor-made solutions that precisely meet user requirements, rather than offering off-the-shelf products.
User-Centric Approach Sets UNIDEF Apart
What sets UNIDEF apart regarding weapon mount integration is its unique approach of involving the user in every step of the design, production, and integration processes. UNIDEF always presents the user with at least two alternative functional prototypes during the integration process, allowing the user to adapt every detail, including the positioning, attachment, detachment, and use of the weapon mount. After the green light by the user, the product is refined and then moved into mass production. After completing the ÖKK project, UNIDEF swiftly concluded the integration process for EGM’s helicopters and commenced mass production for the weapon mounts.
Indigenous Design to Overcome All Challenges
UNIDEF took on a challenging task for the weapon integration for the SEAHAWK helicopters serving in the Turkish Naval Forces Command. Through significant engineering efforts, UNIDEF managed to provide a solution to integrate the armament and weapon mount into a very limited space inside the helicopter without the need for any modifications to the platform, thanks to various locking mechanisms the company developed. UNIDEF, starting its journey with the AS532 Cougar project and proving itself with the SEAHAWK project, swiftly became a renowned brand, capable of integrating weapons into any helicopter platform.
Specialized Projects for Every Mount
Following the procurement of CH-47 Chinook helicopters by the Special Forces and the Turkish Army Aviation Command, both forces requested the addition of self-defense capabilities to these helicopters. Initially, UNIDEF evaluated the request for the weapon mounts for left window, right door, and ramp positions and concluded that integration on the ramp area of the CH-47 Chinook was not possible due to the lack of a connection point that could mount the weapon and mount system. After extensive discussions with the user and weeks of data collection and processing, UNIDEF started the design of a weapon mount and ammunition box for the left window and right door of the CH-47 Chinook platform. Given the precise standards and constraints in air platforms, original designs were necessary for each mount, and special interfaces along with bolt and nut connections for attachment points were produced to create a functional and reliable mount. Moreover, UNIDEF undertook the design and production of two ammunition boxes, each with a capacity of at least 4,000 rounds, for each weapon to be integrated into the CH-47 Chinook.
Locked and Loaded in 10 Minutes
UNIDEF presented the user with two different alternatives for the left window mount, and the selected product advanced to the prototype stage after measurements and testing. The prototype underwent rigorous tests before entering the mass production phase. The weapon mount for the left window is planned to be delivered to the user shortly. The weapon mount for the right door has also reached the prototype stage, and the mass production phase will commence after the testing process is completed. UNIDEF aims to complete the entire project within 6 months.
UNIDEF is aware that the weapon mount must be practical to install as well as effective, and thus provides training to minimize the time required for installation and uninstallation of the weapon mount. Based on exercises, single personnel can make the weapon mount ready for duty in 10 to 30 minutes without the need for any tools.
Locking Mechanisms Prevent Self-Damage
Up until now, the weapon mounts designed for the M134 Minigun were primarily created to hold the weapon in place and ensure the armament stayed on target during firing. However, the M134 Minigun fires up to 3,000 rounds per minute, with a total weight of up to 200 kg with ammunition. To comply with the standards required for air platforms and their restrictions, the weight of the mount and its armament needed to be distributed symmetrically without compromising on ease of use. UNIDEF took precautions to prevent the weapon from firing accidentally and causing damage to the host platform, even in wild maneuvers, by designing locking mechanisms to prevent firing at certain angles.
M3 Is to Be Integrated into Air Platforms
UNIDEF can arm platforms originally designed as unarmed with its weapon mounts. The company’s weapon mount solutions for the CH-47 Chinook do not require any modifications to the platform, thereby avoiding the need for recertification from the OEM. This fact has also caught the attention of international users, and the company’s solution is expected to be adopted by foreign CH-47 Chinook users in the near future. UNIDEF offers its weapon mount solutions for air platforms to include machine guns such as the M134 Minigun, M240, and M249, and the company will soon add the 12.7mm M3 heavy machine gun made by CANiK, also another SYS brand, with a high rate of fire to its arsenal.
UNIDEF is expanding into a new niche in Türkiye with its weapon mount solutions for land and sea platforms, in addition to air platforms, and the company was able to quickly establish a presence in the global market. By designing and producing weapon mounts for the CH-47 Chinook, AS532 Cougar, SEAHAWK, and BLACK HAWK helicopters, UNIDEF has also created opportunities for international collaborations. UNIDEF can design and produce a weapon mount in record time, around 6 months, which is not subject to ITAR restrictions and does not require the re-certification of the integrating air platform.
National Solution for Air Platforms
UNIDEF, along with its subsidiary UNIROBOTICS, continues to work on different solutions, particularly for the doors and ramps of rotary-winged air platforms. UNIROBOTICS’ product family includes a smart weapon mount called TRAKON Crew that is being developed for air platforms, especially for the platforms’ doors and ramps. After qualification and modernization efforts, TRAKON Crew will be able to be used in platforms like the CH-47 Chinook, alongside the M3 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, which can fire at a rate of 1,100–1,150 rounds per minute.
As general-purpose helicopters need to engage in suppressive fire when they approach or depart from targeted areas, they require the integration of suitable weapons for this task. One of the easiest solutions for this problem is having a weapon mount that these weapons can be attached to. UNIDEF designs and produces weapon mount solutions that allow weapon integration onto air platforms without any modification to the platforms and thus has become a game-changer in the Turkish defense and aviation sector in this niche. Established in 2013 as a subsidiary of Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS), UNIDEF adopted a user-centric approach for designing and producing solutions, rather than making off-the-shelf products. By not requiring any modifications to the platform, the company not only provides significant time and cost advantages but also eliminates the need for recertification of the aircraft with the OEM. With approximately 70 each M134 Minigun integrations on various land, air, and sea platforms to date, UNIDEF has designed and developed 20 different weapon mount systems for air platforms alone, filling a significant niche.
UNIDEF Left World Giants in the Dust
Having submitted a proposal to the project initiated by the Turkish Air Force Command through the Defense Industry Agency (SSB) in 2013 for AS532 Cougar-type helicopters, UNIDEF stood out as the sole domestic company that provided a tangible solution, surpassing world-leading competitors in the field. Besides procuring the M134 Minigun, UNIDEF also possessed the design, production, reverse engineering, and analysis capabilities necessary for the integration of the armament, marking the first step in UNIDEF’s journey of weapon integration for air platforms.
The helicopters armed as part of the project then participated in joint exercises to showcase their capabilities. This drew the attention of the Turkish Special Forces Command (ÖKK), which then led to the launching of a similar project for arming the BLACK HAWK helicopters serving in the ÖKK. UNIDEF worked closely with the end-users from the inception of the project to the delivery of the final product, distinguishing itself once again by designing tailor-made solutions that precisely meet user requirements, rather than offering off-the-shelf products.
User-Centric Approach Sets UNIDEF Apart
What sets UNIDEF apart regarding weapon mount integration is its unique approach of involving the user in every step of the design, production, and integration processes. UNIDEF always presents the user with at least two alternative functional prototypes during the integration process, allowing the user to adapt every detail, including the positioning, attachment, detachment, and use of the weapon mount. After the green light by the user, the product is refined and then moved into mass production. After completing the ÖKK project, UNIDEF swiftly concluded the integration process for EGM’s helicopters and commenced mass production for the weapon mounts.
Indigenous Design to Overcome All Challenges
UNIDEF took on a challenging task for the weapon integration for the SEAHAWK helicopters serving in the Turkish Naval Forces Command. Through significant engineering efforts, UNIDEF managed to provide a solution to integrate the armament and weapon mount into a very limited space inside the helicopter without the need for any modifications to the platform, thanks to various locking mechanisms the company developed. UNIDEF, starting its journey with the AS532 Cougar project and proving itself with the SEAHAWK project, swiftly became a renowned brand, capable of integrating weapons into any helicopter platform.
Specialized Projects for Every Mount
Following the procurement of CH-47 Chinook helicopters by the Special Forces and the Turkish Army Aviation Command, both forces requested the addition of self-defense capabilities to these helicopters. Initially, UNIDEF evaluated the request for the weapon mounts for left window, right door, and ramp positions and concluded that integration on the ramp area of the CH-47 Chinook was not possible due to the lack of a connection point that could mount the weapon and mount system. After extensive discussions with the user and weeks of data collection and processing, UNIDEF started the design of a weapon mount and ammunition box for the left window and right door of the CH-47 Chinook platform. Given the precise standards and constraints in air platforms, original designs were necessary for each mount, and special interfaces along with bolt and nut connections for attachment points were produced to create a functional and reliable mount. Moreover, UNIDEF undertook the design and production of two ammunition boxes, each with a capacity of at least 4,000 rounds, for each weapon to be integrated into the CH-47 Chinook.
Locked and Loaded in 10 Minutes
UNIDEF presented the user with two different alternatives for the left window mount, and the selected product advanced to the prototype stage after measurements and testing. The prototype underwent rigorous tests before entering the mass production phase. The weapon mount for the left window is planned to be delivered to the user shortly. The weapon mount for the right door has also reached the prototype stage, and the mass production phase will commence after the testing process is completed. UNIDEF aims to complete the entire project within 6 months.
UNIDEF is aware that the weapon mount must be practical to install as well as effective, and thus provides training to minimize the time required for installation and uninstallation of the weapon mount. Based on exercises, single personnel can make the weapon mount ready for duty in 10 to 30 minutes without the need for any tools.
Locking Mechanisms Prevent Self-Damage
Up until now, the weapon mounts designed for the M134 Minigun were primarily created to hold the weapon in place and ensure the armament stayed on target during firing. However, the M134 Minigun fires up to 3,000 rounds per minute, with a total weight of up to 200 kg with ammunition. To comply with the standards required for air platforms and their restrictions, the weight of the mount and its armament needed to be distributed symmetrically without compromising on ease of use. UNIDEF took precautions to prevent the weapon from firing accidentally and causing damage to the host platform, even in wild maneuvers, by designing locking mechanisms to prevent firing at certain angles.
M3 Is to Be Integrated into Air Platforms
UNIDEF can arm platforms originally designed as unarmed with its weapon mounts. The company’s weapon mount solutions for the CH-47 Chinook do not require any modifications to the platform, thereby avoiding the need for recertification from the OEM. This fact has also caught the attention of international users, and the company’s solution is expected to be adopted by foreign CH-47 Chinook users in the near future. UNIDEF offers its weapon mount solutions for air platforms to include machine guns such as the M134 Minigun, M240, and M249, and the company will soon add the 12.7mm M3 heavy machine gun made by CANiK, also another SYS brand, with a high rate of fire to its arsenal.
UNIDEF is expanding into a new niche in Türkiye with its weapon mount solutions for land and sea platforms, in addition to air platforms, and the company was able to quickly establish a presence in the global market. By designing and producing weapon mounts for the CH-47 Chinook, AS532 Cougar, SEAHAWK, and BLACK HAWK helicopters, UNIDEF has also created opportunities for international collaborations. UNIDEF can design and produce a weapon mount in record time, around 6 months, which is not subject to ITAR restrictions and does not require the re-certification of the integrating air platform.
National Solution for Air Platforms
UNIDEF, along with its subsidiary UNIROBOTICS, continues to work on different solutions, particularly for the doors and ramps of rotary-winged air platforms. UNIROBOTICS’ product family includes a smart weapon mount called TRAKON Crew that is being developed for air platforms, especially for the platforms’ doors and ramps. After qualification and modernization efforts, TRAKON Crew will be able to be used in platforms like the CH-47 Chinook, alongside the M3 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, which can fire at a rate of 1,100–1,150 rounds per minute.
