By: PhantomII
- 16th April 2011 at 14:20Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
orko, can you tell me more about the Simsek program? I've read bits and pieces about it, but information is a bit difficult to come by...at least on the scale that I'm interested in.
What are the TuAF's goals for the project? I understand it's not as extensive as the Terminator program, and I assume the aircraft still have an air-to-air mission so are the compatible with all variants of AIM-7 and AIM-9 in the TuAF inventory? Any enhancements to the radar?
Just curious what to make of this "new" Phantom variant.
Also, what were the goals for the RF-4E program? It's interesting to see them getting an update in an era where UAV's seem to be taking over manned recce aircraft any place you look. I'm glad the TuAF is still going to be using them (as long as they are safe for the crews anyway), so I'm just curious what all new capabilities they will provide for the TuAF.
New
Posts: 549
By: Rookh
- 16th April 2011 at 18:58Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Those look like K-8s with the red smoke, PAF aerobatic team?
Those are very clearly F-5s from the Turkish aerobatics team; The Turkish Stars.
By: orko_8
- 17th April 2011 at 21:13Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
orko, can you tell me more about the Simsek program? I've read bits and pieces about it, but information is a bit difficult to come by...at least on the scale that I'm interested in.
What are the TuAF's goals for the project? I understand it's not as extensive as the Terminator program, and I assume the aircraft still have an air-to-air mission so are the compatible with all variants of AIM-7 and AIM-9 in the TuAF inventory? Any enhancements to the radar?
Just curious what to make of this "new" Phantom variant.
Also, what were the goals for the RF-4E program? It's interesting to see them getting an update in an era where UAV's seem to be taking over manned recce aircraft any place you look. I'm glad the TuAF is still going to be using them (as long as they are safe for the crews anyway), so I'm just curious what all new capabilities they will provide for the TuAF.
TurAF currently has 6 F-4E squadrons: 111 and 171 with F-4E 2020, 112 with F-4E, 132, a composite weapons and tactics squadron with F-16 Block 40, F-4E and F-4E 2020s, and two reconnaissance squadrons: 113 and 173 with RF-4Es.
After the completion of the Terminator project in 2003, a follow-on project for the upgrade of the other two frontline F-4E squadrons, 112 and 172 under Terminator II program. This program had more a-a emphasis, since the 112 and 172 were tasked with air defence (as a general rule in TurAF, squadrons with "1" as last digit has a-g, "2" are a-a missions; 161 an air defence / interception squadron, 162 a strike / interdiction one, and so on - with some exceptions)
Terminator II project did not materialize because of high price tag offered by IAI; EF-2000 offer was rejected because of economic, technical and political reasons. F-15A/C grant / FMS was not realized either after Turkey's rejection of support for US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
So Turkey chose to go on its own by the experience and infrastructure gained from the Terminator project. The aim of the Simsek (Lightning) project is to keep the F-4Es of the 112 squadron (while 172 was temporarily disbanded until F-35s arrive) for a few years more.
The program was started in February 2006 and covers structural and avionics upgrade of a total 16 F-4Es. Structural modifications extend the service life until 2014 – 2016, while avionics enhancements include integration of CDU-900Z control display units, MXF-484 radios, LN-100GT INS/GPS navigation system, Cockpit Television Video System (CTVS), AVTR and IFF Mode 4. The upgraded aircraft are designated as F-4ETM Simsek.
Isik (Light) project on the other hand, is more comprehensive. Current operational RF-4Es of TurAF are relatively new, since they were received from Germany in early 1990s after extensive upgrade for Turkey's support in the 1991 Gulf War.
This project consists of two phases: Structural and avionics upgrade of 18 RF-4Es and procurement of advanced reconnaissance pods under Turkish Aerial Reconnaissance Program (TARP). Upgrade phase includes structural strenghtening of aircraft and integration of LN-100GT INS/GPS navigation system, CDU-900Z, AN/ALQ-178 RWR and advanced communications systems, produced by ASELSAN.
The TARP programme covers the procurement of Elbit Condor II Long Range Oblique Photography (LOROP) and Elta EL/M-2060P SAR/GMTI pods plus ground stations and real time data link systems.
Isik Phantoms are designated as RF-4ETM; the ones receiving TARP are designated as RF-4ETMG.
By: PhantomII
- 19th April 2011 at 00:35Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Isik Phantoms are designated as RF-4ETM; the ones receiving TARP are designated as RF-4ETMG.
The Turks better be careful...those designations are nearing the confusion of some Russian aircraft (i.e. MiG-23MLD, MiG-21PFM, etc.)....lol.
In any case thanks for the info. Obviously it is just to fill the gap so they can operate safely until their planned retirement date, but it's neat to see that even in 2011 the mighty Phantom continues to get some upgrades here and there.
I'd be interested to hear about their air-to-air prowess. I assume the crews are well versed in the F-4's A/A capabilities so it would be interesting to hear about how they put it all together in 2011, such a long time after the F-4 came about.
Is AIM-7F or M in the TuAF inventory or do they rely on the older AIM-7E?
What about the all-aspect variants of the AIM-9? I've seen the Terminator birds with the AIM-9L (or maybe M?), but are the Simsek aircraft equipped with AIM-9P or another model?
New
Posts: 115
By: stimpy75
- 21st April 2011 at 18:47Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
By: orko_8
- 23rd April 2011 at 13:01Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Isik Phantoms are designated as RF-4ETM; the ones receiving TARP are designated as RF-4ETMG.
The Turks better be careful...those designations are nearing the confusion of some Russian aircraft (i.e. MiG-23MLD, MiG-21PFM, etc.)....lol.
In any case thanks for the info. Obviously it is just to fill the gap so they can operate safely until their planned retirement date, but it's neat to see that even in 2011 the mighty Phantom continues to get some upgrades here and there.
I'd be interested to hear about their air-to-air prowess. I assume the crews are well versed in the F-4's A/A capabilities so it would be interesting to hear about how they put it all together in 2011, such a long time after the F-4 came about.
Is AIM-7F or M in the TuAF inventory or do they rely on the older AIM-7E?
What about the all-aspect variants of the AIM-9? I've seen the Terminator birds with the AIM-9L (or maybe M?), but are the Simsek aircraft equipped with AIM-9P or another model?
AFAIK AIM-7's are -if not all of them- retired.
As for the Sidewinders, F-4E 2020s as well as Simsek F-4Es are equipped with AIM-9P3 and AIM-9M Sidewinders. The Terminator project did not involve Derby / Python integration (The follow on cancelled-Terminator II was expected to have), neither Simsek did.
By: PhantomII
- 24th April 2011 at 01:33Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
AIM-7's are gone huh? Interesting. I'm a bit confused as to the reason for the Simsek upgrade with that being the case. I realize the AIM-7 isn't the newest weapon on the block, but the later models still give a decent BVR capability that would be good in a supporting role to the AMRAAM's on the F-16 fleet.
Of course with only 16 airplanes being upgraded perhaps I'm over estimating the purpose of the upgrade to begin with. Perhaps crew proficiency (and safety of said crews) is the main goal here.
Either way good to see some life yet in the Phantom fleet.
The distribution of the 121 helicopters are as follows:
Land forces: 20 x general purpose / SAR
Gendarmerie: 30 x general purpose / SAR / assault
Navy: 6 x general purpose / SAR / MEDEVAC
Coast Guard: 6 x SAR
Special Forces: 11 x SAR / CSAR
Joint Staff Electronics Systems Command: 2 x ELINT / SIGINT
Police: 20 x general purpose / special forces interdiction
Directorate of Forestry: 20 x firefighting / transport
The project also has an option for 98 more T-70's.
New
Posts: 115
By: stimpy75
- 29th April 2011 at 18:41Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
By: medal64
- 2nd May 2011 at 20:16Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Turkey Takes Aim At Targeting Pod
Aselpod Meant To Replace U.S. LANTIRN
By BURAK EGE BEKDIL and UMIT ENGINSOY
Published: 2 May 2011
ANKARA - Turkey's largest defense company is beginning to flight-test the country's first indigenous advanced targeting and reconnaissance pod.
The tests mark the end of the initial phase of an ambitious program by military electronics specialist Aselsan. It is not publicly known how long Aselsan has been working on the once-classified project, but the company says it has so far spent $50 million to design and develop the Aselpod.
Built to track up to four targets simultaneously in infrared (IR) and day video, the pod contains a zoomable, third-generation IR camera with a 640x512 mid-wave detector and three fields of view. Both IR and video cameras can automatically track objects on the ground and in the air, and inertial trackers help keep the cameras on target even when the line of sight is momentarily obscured.
For stability, the cameras pivot on a four-axis gimbal in the sensor head. Solid-state recorders bring the information back home for debriefing. A laser pointer enables the pod to designate targets for other weapons, and a laser spot tracker allows the pod to lock onto targets illuminated by others.
Military and company officials declined to discuss further details about the pod and its development.
The tests are proceeding at an air base in Eskisehir, 220 kilometers northwest of here. The Turkish Air Force plans to install the first Aselpod to an F-4E 2020 before the end of 2011.
The second phase of the program calls for the production of 16 pods, to be installed on F-16 Block 50 fighter jets.
Procurement officials said the Aselpod, when fully operational, will replace the U.S. made LANTIRN, a combined navigation and targeting pod system for use on the U.S. Air Force's premier fighter aircraft - the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Block 40/42 C and D models.
Last year, Lockheed Martin signed a foreign military sales contract to deliver Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATPs) and LANTIRN Enhanced Resolution (ER) navigation pods to the Turkish Air Force. Valued at $118 million, the contract will provide Sniper ATP and LANTIRN ER navigation pods to equip Turkish Air Force F-16 Block 40 and Block 50 Peace Onyx aircraft.
A Turkish defense official said the military hopes the Aselpod eventually will replace the LANTIRN.
"The program reflects a strategic choice to end our dependency on foreign [U.S.] systems for targeting equipment," he said.
Observers' Doubts
But analysts were dubious about official claims about the Aselpod.
An Ankara-based defense analyst said that although Aselsan has invested much time and resources into the Aselpod program, the end result may fall short of the Turkish ambitions.
"No doubt, the Turkish system will work this way or another, within this time frame or another," he said. "But how much the Aselpod may deviate from the existing technology and costings is yet to be seen."
A London-based Turkey specialist said the Aselpod may be another example of Turkish ambition to go local.
"Indigenous programs often make the Turks proud. But success in terms of desired capabilities and costs is something else," he said.
In recent years, Turkey's procurement planners have strongly encouraged local design, development and production of systems including UAVs, armored vehicles, helicopters, trainer aircraft, naval platforms and several defense electronic, avionic and software systems.
Aselsan is a public company owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Support Foundation. Turkey's top five defense companies are all owned by the same foundation.
Aselsan reported $792 million in sales in 2010. It aims at $850 million this year and $1 billion in 2013. The company exports products to 37 countries.
By: medal64
- 17th May 2011 at 22:17Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Turkey's Hurkus trainer to fly next year
By Tolga Ozbek
Turkish Aerospace Industries plans to conduct the first flight with its Hurkus ("Free Bird") turboprop trainer in August 2012.
Launched four years ago and sponsored by Turkey's undersecretary of defence industries, the Hurkus programme will deliver three models, ranging from a primary military and civilian trainer to a light attack aircraft.
Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine, the aircraft is planned to have a top speed of more than 250kt (462km/h), and to be capable of performing manoeuvres between +7g and -3.5g.
The first Hurkus A will be manufactured by the end of this year, said TAI, with more than 1,800 of the required 3,300 parts already produced.
After securing certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority, the company aims to start deliveries by 2014. The Turkish air and land forces have both expressed interest in the project.
By: medal64
- 17th May 2011 at 22:18Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
TAI sets May date for T129 prototype debut
By Tolga Ozbek
Turkish Aerospace Industries' first prototype T129 attack helicopter will perform its flight debut at the end of May, with the company saying ground testing has been completed.
Aircraft P6 is the first of five prototypes being built by ATAK programme prime contractor TAI. All of these will make their first flights this year, the company said during the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul.
The Turkish army has ordered 50 production T129s - a development of the AgustaWestland AW129 - and has options on another 41. In addition to TAI, the programme also involves Turkish companies Aselsan, Havelsan and Roketsan. Flight tests will conclude in 2013.
By: medal64
- 17th May 2011 at 22:22Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
TAI's Anka UAS attracts foreign interest
By Tolga Ozbek
Turkish Aerospace Industries used the IDEF show in Istanbul to deliver updates on a number of its unmanned air system programmes. The company exhibited its Anka/Phoenix medium-altitude, long-endurance design and also displayed its Sivrisinek/Mosquito unmanned helicopter for the first time in public. Both systems are currently in flight test.
Referring to the Anka, TAI general manager Muharrem Dorktasli said: "We have begun the second prototype's test flights. The schedule is going on time." The company will build a total of five prototypes, with Dorktasli saying the first is planned for delivery next year.
Equipped with a forward-looking infrared sensor provided by Turkish company Aselsan, the Anka has already attracted international interest, with TAI talking to some countries in the Middle East about possible future sales.
First flown earlier this year and developed using company funds, the vertical take-off and landing Mosquito (above) is being pitched initially to a domestic customer. "There is a market for an unmanned helicopter," Dorktasli said. "The Turkish army has a close interest and negotiations will start soon."
By: medal64
- 17th May 2011 at 22:23Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Turkey signs up as Talarion partner
By Tolga Ozbek
Turkish Aerospace Industries has signed a memorandum of understanding with EADS company Cassidian to become a part of its Talarion unmanned air system project.
Ankara has long been interested in participating in the European programme for a next-generation medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS, and its undersecretary of defence industries has now agreed to make a significant investment in the prototype phase. A team of Turkish companies led by TAI will participate in the effort, it was announced during the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul.
"Cassidian is very pleased and honoured to welcome TAI as part of the Talarion team," said Cassidian Air Systems chief executive Bernhard Gerwert. "With this industrial commitment we strongly believe that the potential customers will decide soon to support this unique product."
By: medal64
- 17th May 2011 at 22:24Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Turkish Aerospace Industries to design new light-twin helicopter
By Tolga Ozbek
Turkish Aerospace Industries general manager Muharrem Dorktasli has announced plans for the company to develop a light-twin helicopter for military and civilian applications.
Revealing the new programme during the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul, TAI said the new design should be capable of carrying between six and eight people. In the military sector it is intended to replace some of the Turkish army’s Bell UH-1 utility helicopters, and also be suitable for use as a training aircraft.
TAI expects to fly the aircraft for the first time within the next six or seven years, with the effort to draw on its experience as prime contractor on two other major programmes.
The company is heading the ATAK project which will deliver T129 attack helicopters to the Turkish army, and will assemble T-70 transports for the nation’s armed services, police, gendarma and forest ministry. The programmes will respectively field developments of the AgustaWestland A129 and Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk.
“With the ATAK and general utility helicopter projects, TAI will have the capacity to design a Turkish helicopter,” Dorktasli said.
Posts: 7,989
By: PhantomII - 16th April 2011 at 14:20 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
orko, can you tell me more about the Simsek program? I've read bits and pieces about it, but information is a bit difficult to come by...at least on the scale that I'm interested in.
What are the TuAF's goals for the project? I understand it's not as extensive as the Terminator program, and I assume the aircraft still have an air-to-air mission so are the compatible with all variants of AIM-7 and AIM-9 in the TuAF inventory? Any enhancements to the radar?
Just curious what to make of this "new" Phantom variant.
Also, what were the goals for the RF-4E program? It's interesting to see them getting an update in an era where UAV's seem to be taking over manned recce aircraft any place you look. I'm glad the TuAF is still going to be using them (as long as they are safe for the crews anyway), so I'm just curious what all new capabilities they will provide for the TuAF.
Posts: 549
By: Rookh - 16th April 2011 at 18:58 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Those are very clearly F-5s from the Turkish aerobatics team; The Turkish Stars.
Posts: 889
By: Boom - 17th April 2011 at 01:03 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
that F-16 paintjob looks awesome !
Posts: 547
By: orko_8 - 17th April 2011 at 21:13 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
TurAF currently has 6 F-4E squadrons: 111 and 171 with F-4E 2020, 112 with F-4E, 132, a composite weapons and tactics squadron with F-16 Block 40, F-4E and F-4E 2020s, and two reconnaissance squadrons: 113 and 173 with RF-4Es.
After the completion of the Terminator project in 2003, a follow-on project for the upgrade of the other two frontline F-4E squadrons, 112 and 172 under Terminator II program. This program had more a-a emphasis, since the 112 and 172 were tasked with air defence (as a general rule in TurAF, squadrons with "1" as last digit has a-g, "2" are a-a missions; 161 an air defence / interception squadron, 162 a strike / interdiction one, and so on - with some exceptions)
Terminator II project did not materialize because of high price tag offered by IAI; EF-2000 offer was rejected because of economic, technical and political reasons. F-15A/C grant / FMS was not realized either after Turkey's rejection of support for US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
So Turkey chose to go on its own by the experience and infrastructure gained from the Terminator project. The aim of the Simsek (Lightning) project is to keep the F-4Es of the 112 squadron (while 172 was temporarily disbanded until F-35s arrive) for a few years more.
The program was started in February 2006 and covers structural and avionics upgrade of a total 16 F-4Es. Structural modifications extend the service life until 2014 – 2016, while avionics enhancements include integration of CDU-900Z control display units, MXF-484 radios, LN-100GT INS/GPS navigation system, Cockpit Television Video System (CTVS), AVTR and IFF Mode 4. The upgraded aircraft are designated as F-4ETM Simsek.
Isik (Light) project on the other hand, is more comprehensive. Current operational RF-4Es of TurAF are relatively new, since they were received from Germany in early 1990s after extensive upgrade for Turkey's support in the 1991 Gulf War.
This project consists of two phases: Structural and avionics upgrade of 18 RF-4Es and procurement of advanced reconnaissance pods under Turkish Aerial Reconnaissance Program (TARP). Upgrade phase includes structural strenghtening of aircraft and integration of LN-100GT INS/GPS navigation system, CDU-900Z, AN/ALQ-178 RWR and advanced communications systems, produced by ASELSAN.
The TARP programme covers the procurement of Elbit Condor II Long Range Oblique Photography (LOROP) and Elta EL/M-2060P SAR/GMTI pods plus ground stations and real time data link systems.
Isik Phantoms are designated as RF-4ETM; the ones receiving TARP are designated as RF-4ETMG.
Posts: 1,114
By: medal64 - 18th April 2011 at 17:25 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
More info about "Solo Turk" :cool:
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/18/355664/video-pictures-turkish-f-16-soars-with-centenary-display.html
Posts: 7,989
By: PhantomII - 19th April 2011 at 00:35 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Isik Phantoms are designated as RF-4ETM; the ones receiving TARP are designated as RF-4ETMG.
The Turks better be careful...those designations are nearing the confusion of some Russian aircraft (i.e. MiG-23MLD, MiG-21PFM, etc.)....lol.
In any case thanks for the info. Obviously it is just to fill the gap so they can operate safely until their planned retirement date, but it's neat to see that even in 2011 the mighty Phantom continues to get some upgrades here and there.
I'd be interested to hear about their air-to-air prowess. I assume the crews are well versed in the F-4's A/A capabilities so it would be interesting to hear about how they put it all together in 2011, such a long time after the F-4 came about.
Is AIM-7F or M in the TuAF inventory or do they rely on the older AIM-7E?
What about the all-aspect variants of the AIM-9? I've seen the Terminator birds with the AIM-9L (or maybe M?), but are the Simsek aircraft equipped with AIM-9P or another model?
Posts: 115
By: stimpy75 - 21st April 2011 at 18:47 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Turkey Picks Sikorsky Helo in $3.5B Deal
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6290870&c=AME&s=AIR
Posts: 547
By: orko_8 - 23rd April 2011 at 13:01 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
AFAIK AIM-7's are -if not all of them- retired.
As for the Sidewinders, F-4E 2020s as well as Simsek F-4Es are equipped with AIM-9P3 and AIM-9M Sidewinders. The Terminator project did not involve Derby / Python integration (The follow on cancelled-Terminator II was expected to have), neither Simsek did.
Posts: 7,989
By: PhantomII - 24th April 2011 at 01:33 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
AIM-7's are gone huh? Interesting. I'm a bit confused as to the reason for the Simsek upgrade with that being the case. I realize the AIM-7 isn't the newest weapon on the block, but the later models still give a decent BVR capability that would be good in a supporting role to the AMRAAM's on the F-16 fleet.
Of course with only 16 airplanes being upgraded perhaps I'm over estimating the purpose of the upgrade to begin with. Perhaps crew proficiency (and safety of said crews) is the main goal here.
Either way good to see some life yet in the Phantom fleet.
Posts: 547
By: orko_8 - 26th April 2011 at 12:22 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
The distribution of the 121 helicopters are as follows:
Land forces: 20 x general purpose / SAR
Gendarmerie: 30 x general purpose / SAR / assault
Navy: 6 x general purpose / SAR / MEDEVAC
Coast Guard: 6 x SAR
Special Forces: 11 x SAR / CSAR
Joint Staff Electronics Systems Command: 2 x ELINT / SIGINT
Police: 20 x general purpose / special forces interdiction
Directorate of Forestry: 20 x firefighting / transport
The project also has an option for 98 more T-70's.
Posts: 115
By: stimpy75 - 29th April 2011 at 18:41 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
By stimpy75 at 2011-04-29
Posts: 1,114
By: medal64 - 30th April 2011 at 15:32 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
A nice video of Anka UAV...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHTB8fl7vOg&feature=related
Posts: 1,114
By: medal64 - 2nd May 2011 at 20:16 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Turkey Takes Aim At Targeting Pod
Aselpod Meant To Replace U.S. LANTIRN
By BURAK EGE BEKDIL and UMIT ENGINSOY
Published: 2 May 2011
ANKARA - Turkey's largest defense company is beginning to flight-test the country's first indigenous advanced targeting and reconnaissance pod.
The tests mark the end of the initial phase of an ambitious program by military electronics specialist Aselsan. It is not publicly known how long Aselsan has been working on the once-classified project, but the company says it has so far spent $50 million to design and develop the Aselpod.
Built to track up to four targets simultaneously in infrared (IR) and day video, the pod contains a zoomable, third-generation IR camera with a 640x512 mid-wave detector and three fields of view. Both IR and video cameras can automatically track objects on the ground and in the air, and inertial trackers help keep the cameras on target even when the line of sight is momentarily obscured.
For stability, the cameras pivot on a four-axis gimbal in the sensor head. Solid-state recorders bring the information back home for debriefing. A laser pointer enables the pod to designate targets for other weapons, and a laser spot tracker allows the pod to lock onto targets illuminated by others.
Military and company officials declined to discuss further details about the pod and its development.
The tests are proceeding at an air base in Eskisehir, 220 kilometers northwest of here. The Turkish Air Force plans to install the first Aselpod to an F-4E 2020 before the end of 2011.
The second phase of the program calls for the production of 16 pods, to be installed on F-16 Block 50 fighter jets.
Procurement officials said the Aselpod, when fully operational, will replace the U.S. made LANTIRN, a combined navigation and targeting pod system for use on the U.S. Air Force's premier fighter aircraft - the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Block 40/42 C and D models.
Last year, Lockheed Martin signed a foreign military sales contract to deliver Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATPs) and LANTIRN Enhanced Resolution (ER) navigation pods to the Turkish Air Force. Valued at $118 million, the contract will provide Sniper ATP and LANTIRN ER navigation pods to equip Turkish Air Force F-16 Block 40 and Block 50 Peace Onyx aircraft.
A Turkish defense official said the military hopes the Aselpod eventually will replace the LANTIRN.
"The program reflects a strategic choice to end our dependency on foreign [U.S.] systems for targeting equipment," he said.
Observers' Doubts
But analysts were dubious about official claims about the Aselpod.
An Ankara-based defense analyst said that although Aselsan has invested much time and resources into the Aselpod program, the end result may fall short of the Turkish ambitions.
"No doubt, the Turkish system will work this way or another, within this time frame or another," he said. "But how much the Aselpod may deviate from the existing technology and costings is yet to be seen."
A London-based Turkey specialist said the Aselpod may be another example of Turkish ambition to go local.
"Indigenous programs often make the Turks proud. But success in terms of desired capabilities and costs is something else," he said.
In recent years, Turkey's procurement planners have strongly encouraged local design, development and production of systems including UAVs, armored vehicles, helicopters, trainer aircraft, naval platforms and several defense electronic, avionic and software systems.
Aselsan is a public company owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Support Foundation. Turkey's top five defense companies are all owned by the same foundation.
Aselsan reported $792 million in sales in 2010. It aims at $850 million this year and $1 billion in 2013. The company exports products to 37 countries.
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6378737
[ATTACH]194887[/ATTACH]
Posts: 547
By: orko_8 - 16th May 2011 at 12:41 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Turkish F-4E 2020 Terminator in formation flight with two PLAAF J-11's in late September, 2010. Image released by Turkish MoND.
Posts: 1,114
By: medal64 - 16th May 2011 at 12:57 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
A unique picture :) Thanks orko_8...
Posts: 1,114
By: medal64 - 17th May 2011 at 22:17 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Turkey's Hurkus trainer to fly next year
By Tolga Ozbek
Turkish Aerospace Industries plans to conduct the first flight with its Hurkus ("Free Bird") turboprop trainer in August 2012.
Launched four years ago and sponsored by Turkey's undersecretary of defence industries, the Hurkus programme will deliver three models, ranging from a primary military and civilian trainer to a light attack aircraft.
Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine, the aircraft is planned to have a top speed of more than 250kt (462km/h), and to be capable of performing manoeuvres between +7g and -3.5g.
The first Hurkus A will be manufactured by the end of this year, said TAI, with more than 1,800 of the required 3,300 parts already produced.
After securing certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority, the company aims to start deliveries by 2014. The Turkish air and land forces have both expressed interest in the project.
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/05/17/356712/turkeys-hurkus-trainer-to-fly-next-year.html
Posts: 1,114
By: medal64 - 17th May 2011 at 22:18 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
TAI sets May date for T129 prototype debut
By Tolga Ozbek
Turkish Aerospace Industries' first prototype T129 attack helicopter will perform its flight debut at the end of May, with the company saying ground testing has been completed.
Aircraft P6 is the first of five prototypes being built by ATAK programme prime contractor TAI. All of these will make their first flights this year, the company said during the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul.
The Turkish army has ordered 50 production T129s - a development of the AgustaWestland AW129 - and has options on another 41. In addition to TAI, the programme also involves Turkish companies Aselsan, Havelsan and Roketsan. Flight tests will conclude in 2013.
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/05/17/356714/tai-sets-may-date-for-t129-prototype-debut.html
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By: medal64 - 17th May 2011 at 22:22 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
TAI's Anka UAS attracts foreign interest
By Tolga Ozbek
Turkish Aerospace Industries used the IDEF show in Istanbul to deliver updates on a number of its unmanned air system programmes. The company exhibited its Anka/Phoenix medium-altitude, long-endurance design and also displayed its Sivrisinek/Mosquito unmanned helicopter for the first time in public. Both systems are currently in flight test.
Referring to the Anka, TAI general manager Muharrem Dorktasli said: "We have begun the second prototype's test flights. The schedule is going on time." The company will build a total of five prototypes, with Dorktasli saying the first is planned for delivery next year.
Equipped with a forward-looking infrared sensor provided by Turkish company Aselsan, the Anka has already attracted international interest, with TAI talking to some countries in the Middle East about possible future sales.
First flown earlier this year and developed using company funds, the vertical take-off and landing Mosquito (above) is being pitched initially to a domestic customer. "There is a market for an unmanned helicopter," Dorktasli said. "The Turkish army has a close interest and negotiations will start soon."
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/05/12/356557/tais-anka-uas-attracts-foreign-interest.html
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By: medal64 - 17th May 2011 at 22:23 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Turkey signs up as Talarion partner
By Tolga Ozbek
Turkish Aerospace Industries has signed a memorandum of understanding with EADS company Cassidian to become a part of its Talarion unmanned air system project.
Ankara has long been interested in participating in the European programme for a next-generation medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS, and its undersecretary of defence industries has now agreed to make a significant investment in the prototype phase. A team of Turkish companies led by TAI will participate in the effort, it was announced during the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul.
"Cassidian is very pleased and honoured to welcome TAI as part of the Talarion team," said Cassidian Air Systems chief executive Bernhard Gerwert. "With this industrial commitment we strongly believe that the potential customers will decide soon to support this unique product."
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/05/12/356554/turkey-signs-up-as-talarion-partner.html
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By: medal64 - 17th May 2011 at 22:24 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Turkish Aerospace Industries to design new light-twin helicopter
By Tolga Ozbek
Turkish Aerospace Industries general manager Muharrem Dorktasli has announced plans for the company to develop a light-twin helicopter for military and civilian applications.
Revealing the new programme during the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul, TAI said the new design should be capable of carrying between six and eight people. In the military sector it is intended to replace some of the Turkish army’s Bell UH-1 utility helicopters, and also be suitable for use as a training aircraft.
TAI expects to fly the aircraft for the first time within the next six or seven years, with the effort to draw on its experience as prime contractor on two other major programmes.
The company is heading the ATAK project which will deliver T129 attack helicopters to the Turkish army, and will assemble T-70 transports for the nation’s armed services, police, gendarma and forest ministry. The programmes will respectively field developments of the AgustaWestland A129 and Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk.
“With the ATAK and general utility helicopter projects, TAI will have the capacity to design a Turkish helicopter,” Dorktasli said.
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/05/13/356563/turkish-aerospace-industries-to-design-new-light-twin.html