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Turkish Aviation Programs

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Thx dr_okuz

Turkish Airforce Modernisation Update

-HBS: Hava Kuvvetleri Bilgi Sistemi; biggest C2 system of Turkish Armed forces. Version 2.8 has been finalised. New F-16 Block50+ and SOM Cruise missiles also added to C2 systems

-Link16 Interoperability Project: Run By STM to integrate different Link16 systems available on TurAF. Currently all 237 F16, C130s, KC-135, Cougar, A400M, ANKA Ground stations, AWACS and ELINT planes have Link16 systems.

-Göktürk Projects: While Göktürk-2 succesfully collecting information around the world since early 2013; Gokturk-1 has waited TAI USET Satellite Test-Integration facility which opened in 2015. After tests Gokturk-1 available to lunch by the end of 2015. Gokturk-3 SAR Satellite project completed early design phase in 2016 integration-production will be started and projected to launch in 2019.

Another E-O Satellite Project "IMECE" has been started submetric electroptic camera; will provide interdisiplary photo-imaging. Project has been started and it will be launced in 2019. As well as other classified projects MIT and TUYGU Satellite continue

"Gokturk Replacement Projects" has been started to replace frontier Gokturk-1/2/3 satellites after 2020.

-Military Satellite Communication: Turksat 4A/4B, 5A and indigenous 6A will carry X-Band , Ku-Band satellite transponders for military communiation.

There is ongoing project for dedicated military satcom for Turkish Airforce; for the first time military-satcom will carry UHF-Band and EHF-Band transponder developed by ASELSAN.


-Modernisation of RAT-31DL-SL radar modernisation continue; soon there will be contract for TRS-22 radar modernisation.

-Baris Kartali Projects with delivery of last plane has been finished. According to Turkish Airforce the planes has been found 3 times more effective than orignally planned; with air-refuelling it has demonstrated 20 hours continues flight.

Desicion for extra 2 aircrafts will be in 2015.

-ISR Systems:

Delivery of 4 DB-110 ReccePod and 3 ground station has being finalised; which will be used by Block30 F16s. While search for SAR-Pod contiue.

10 Heron MALE UAV stationed at 14th UAS Command at Batman. While 2 ANKA-A MALE UAV Stationed at Sivrihisar-ESKISEHIR. In 2017-2018 TurAF will receive 10 ANKA-S MALE Systems, with SATCOM capability; altough not included in ANKA-S; ANKA-A has fired Cirit Missiles several times. There is also ELINT payload planned for ANKA-S.

While SAR radar equipped ANKA-B made its first flight in 2015. Turkish Navy and Coast Guard show strong interest to this systems.

Wind Tunnel tests of "strategic UAV" has been started; it will be same class as Reaper- or IAI Eitan.

Harpy replacement project "taaurruzi iha" continue; new attack-uav will be same class Cutlass/HAROP which will attach radar-SAM sites as well as time critical targets.

-Currently 3 CN-235ELINT and 3 C-160D GOREN-I ISR plane is available under 211th fleet ANKARA. It has planned 2 C-130T Erciyes plane will be modernised as "gunship" with FLIRs and missiles


-PODS: Currently Turaf fly with LANTIRN and SNIPER-XR pods; ASELPOD development has been finalised in 2015, including F16 and F4E integration. In 2015 first 20 ASELPOD production contract will be signed. ASELPOD has two-way datalink which is possible to direct communication with special operation forces.

-EW:

-SPEWS-II deliveries continue; AN/ALQ-211 V4 for Block50 also has been delivered.

21 AN/ALQ-211V9 pod for F-16 BLOCK50D signed in 2014; where as for F16 Block-40 ASELSAN-TUBITAK "ESCORT JAMMER" development continues, which will be available by 2019.

STAND-OFF Jammer project has been iniated 2 phase:

-Direct procurement of 2 to 4 systems
-Indigenous development up to 4 systems
-Ground based jammers (which has been operational as "awacs jammer" )

"Next Generation EW System" has been in design phase for TF-X and future F16 modernisation.

Missile Warning System Project for current F16 fleet has been started; main contractor is ASELSAN.

ASELSAN and TUBITAK also developing "smart decoys" in various form.


Fighter Planes:

F35: 6 F35A has been ordered first delivery in 2019 on LRIP-9 and LRIP-10 phase. Also Turkey has chosen European center for F135 engine MRO.

F16 Modernisation: CCIP programme successfuly finished in 2015. F16 modernisation will continue with EW-SELF DEFENCE Projects as mentioned above; also TurAF consider AESA Modernisation for future.

Ozgur Project: Indigenous avionic-mission system for a F16 Block30 airplane finished in 2017. Project may continue to initally all F16 Block 30 fleet; than upgraded version may follow.

T-X/F-X Projects: Project still under evaluations; while engine selection is on progress EJ-230, Snecma M88-4E and GE F-414 is 3 candidate.



Logistic Planes:

-A400M: First 2 A400M has been operational and started long range mission. A400M has also air-refuelling capability.

-C-130 Erciyes: 2 modernised C-130 has been delivered to airforce; serial production continues.

Training:

Distrubetd to 5 airbases all-linked F16SIM now operational. Turkey has the most modern F16 simulator system in the world. With current F-4E SIm; all F16 fighter can make collobrative flights.

KT-1T and T-38M Simulators has been operational since 2014; this center almost work as 7/24 give training to turkish and allied pilots.

15 Hurkus-B ordered last year will be delivered in late 2017; current KT-1T fly 50 sortie a day; but low operatinal readiness makes problem for training.

55 T-38M modernisation continue; and 13 more ordered for "NATO International Flight Traininf School" which is being established in Izmir.

Munitions:

TurAF adds 145 more AMRAAM C7 missile to existing 107 C7 inventory; as well as HMDS and AIM-9X missiles are very deadly combination for 200+ F16M fleet.

Indigenous short and long range air-air missile is on progress...

Turkish Airforces has richest air-ground munition familiy in the region:

-JDAM
-JSOW-A1 AND JSOW-C
-WCMD
-Popeye
-Harm
-Paveway-II/IIT
-AGM-65
-SLAM-ER Cruise Missiles etc..


also recently added new generation air-ground munition family:

-JDAM Class: HGK-1/2/3/4
-jdam-ER Class: KGK up to 120km range; includes laser terminal guidance
-LGK: paveway-III class
-SOM-A, SOM-B cruise missiles.

future munitions includes:

-small diamter bomb
-termianlly guided HGK
-SOM-ER
-indigenous ramjet missile family
-various penetrator and thermobaric bombs

Helicopters:

-first of 6 T-70 Black hawk CSAR helicopter will be delivered in 2020; where as Turkish Airforce look for very long range SAR/CSAR helicopters if budget available we may see EH-101 or S-92 Class SAR/CSAR even V22 around 2020; interestingly Turkish Coast Guard has active programme for 6 long range SAR helicopter.
 
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Turkish Fixed-Wing Platforms Soaring to New Heights

Defence Turkey

Dr. Murat Ceran, Head of Fixed-Wing Platforms Department of Undersecretary for Defence Industries informed us about Turkey’s F-35 order, Indigenous Jet Fighter program (TF-X), The software development studies of the C-130 E/B aircrafts as part of the Erciyes program, Delivery schedule of Turkish A-400M Strategic Transport Aircraft and latest status of New Generation Basic Trainer Aircraft “Hürkuş” certification and development phase for Defence Turkey Readers.

Defence Turkey: Mr. Murat Ceran, first of all I would like to thank you for your time. Could you please inform us on the structure of your group, your staff and fields of study as the Fixed-Wing Platforms Department at the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries?

I would like to start by expressing my gratitude for giving us this opportunity. We are managing the procurement projects under three different groups at the Fixed-Wing Platforms Department. First is the “Fighter Aircraft Programs” group pertaining to combat aircraft projects, the second group is the “Support Aircraft Programs” that encompass the transport and training aircrafts and the final category is the “Aircraft Modernization and Integration Programs” under which modernization of the aircrafts in our inventory is conducted. In our Department, we are running the management of over 20 projects with a team of approximately 30 staff. The projects where Turkish industry companies contribute to the off-the-shelf platforms such as JSF, A400M, Peace Eagle, and Meltem-2 exist among the programs we execute, in addition to the projects in which the indigenous Turkish defence industry products such as Indigenous Fighter Jet Program (TF-X) and New Generation Basic Trainer Aircraft (Hürkuş) exist. We acquired brand new capabilities that exist in very few countries in the world through the aircrafts we added to the inventory of the Air and Land Forces Commands particularly in the last two years. We furnished to the Turkish Armed Forces the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability through 3 aircrafts we received within the scope of the Peace Eagle (PE) Project, Maritime Patrol and Surveillance capability with 6 aircrafts delivered as part of the Meltem-2 Project and last but not least the strategic air transportation capability with 2 aircrafts added to our inventory as part of the A400M Project. Moreover, as soon as the ordered 6 F-35 JSF aircrafts join our inventory, we will have the combat aircrafts that could execute the Air-Land tasks excellently.

Defence Turkey: As you mentioned, the number of ordered F-35A increased to 6 within the scope of JSF program with the latest Defence Industry Executive Committee’s (DIEC) decree. What will be the configuration and blocks of the new packages that were decided to be ordered at the recent DIEC meeting? Moreover, what would you like to say on the delivery schedule following the issuance of the orders?

As you may know, we had ordered the first two of the F-35A aircrafts we planned to procure. This year, in light of the supply plan determined in coordination with the Air Forces Command, we ordered 4 more aircrafts following the DIEC meeting that took place on 7 January 2015. These aircrafts are planned to be received with the Block3F configuration in 2019. We consider that the aircraft procurement issue will remain at the agenda of DIEC meetings in the upcoming years in accordance with the determined plan.

Defence Turkey: Will it be possible to use our indigenous ammunitions such as the SOM-J Precision Cruise Missiles and Precision Guidance Kit in these 4 packages?

We are continuing our studies for the integration of our both national ammunitions (SOM-J - Stand-Off-Missile and Precision Guidance Kit) to F-35 platform. Currently, there is a process to be followed for the utilization of both ammunitions on F-35 aircrafts. As the completion of this process is expected to be completed after 2019, the usage of the aforesaid ammunitions would not be possible on our ordered aircrafts.

Defence Turkey: Within the scope of the TF-X Indigenous Jet Fighter development program, the conceptual design study was accomplished by the relevant authorities last year and delivered to the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries. At the first DIEC meeting of 2015, moving onto the preliminary design development phase of the program was determined. Which procedure will be followed within the 6-month period in this new phase regarding the selection of engine and platform configurations? Is there any prominent option for the time being?

Decisions regarding the engine and platform configuration are the critical milestones we need to achieve in order to advance in design. The engine will be the most important component to identify the Indigenous Jet Fighter configuration. Therefore, we examine the engine issue considering the long-term results and taking the performance, time-schedule, cost and industrialization aspects into account. We aim to accelerate this process and conclude it in the upcoming period.

Defence Turkey: Is it possible to collaborate with a foreign partner as a main integrator or for technical consultancy during the selection of the configuration within the scope of the TF-X program in the upcoming period? What are Turkey’s options in this respect?

Military aviation platform projects are the ones with long schedules and high budgets. Therefore we regard the experience as an issue we aim to benefit from in order to mitigate the risks towards our performance, cost and schedule targets. Our efforts for technical cooperation with foreign companies having such experience continue.

Defence Turkey: The maiden flight was expected to take place in 2023 according to the initial program schedule determined at the conceptual design phase of the TF-X Indigenous Jet Fighter development program. Is 2023 still the target or any change in the program schedule came up at the latest DIEC meeting? Besides, how long does it take to conclude the preliminary design phase?

We are conducting all of our studies in order to achieve Jet Fighter Aircraft platform development that would meet the needs of Turkish Air Forces. We are aware of the importance of year 2023 in this respect. We estimate that, towards our target, the preliminary design phase will probably take 3 to 5 years.

Defence Turkey: The software development studies of the C-130 E/B aircrafts as part of the Erciyes program are continuing. Prototype of the first aircraft was successfully delivered in last August. Which capabilities will Turkish Air Forces gain with the integration of this software to our aircrafts? Also, do you assess that the issue of armament of the aircrafts as part of this program will be brought to the agenda in the forthcoming term?

As flight-critic software, the existing Operational Flight Program Software will enable the compatible functioning of the avionic systems with the accurate data transfer. As part of this software, the Flight Management Software is considered as the most important software integrated to our C-130 aircrafts that will navigate the pilots with the proper directions during the flight and assume the Combat System Officer (Navigator) functions in the old aircrafts and enable the aircraft to accomplish its activities in line with its task concept through less personnel and by minimizing the human errors.
With this software, we accepted the Mission Planning Ground Station that allows the installation of the flight plans into the aircraft prior to the flight that were established on the ground. On the other hand, the development of Link-16 Tactical Data Link software that enables the interoperability of various air and naval platforms continues in parallel with the modernization of the serial aircrafts.
Although there are several implementations of fixed-wing gunship variants of the C-130 in the world, we have not received any official demand in this respect yet.

Defence Turkey: Within the scope of the Erciyes program, The Complementary Design Approval Certificate consisted of the certification activities bearing great importance in the design and development activities regarding aviation was issued by the first domestic Certification Authority composed of the representatives from the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries and Armed Forces and thus the airworthiness of the aircrafts under modernization was certified. What will Turkey acquire with this military certification issued for the first time within the scope of this program?

Major organizations certifying the civil aircrafts such as FAA and EASA are operating worldwide. For the design, production and modification of the military aircrafts, countries have already established their own military certification authorities mostly as part of their Defence Ministries. The certificate issued within the scope of the C-130 project certifies that the modernization of our aircrafts has been accomplished in accordance with the international aviation rules and that they are able to fly safely.
Before the Erciyes Project, know-how and experience in civil or military aircraft certification was limited, insufficient. Besides, there was not any organization to utilize its existing knowledge to this end. With the help of this Project, we established processes documented in the certification of our own military aircrafts and gained experience. I can claim that our self-confidence in this matter increased. Moreover, we believe that we reached at such a level that now we may offer consultancy in the certification of the civil aircrafts. Yet, there is still a need for an independent Military Aviation Authority in Turkey. We have submitted our suggestions to the competent authorities on the establishment of a Turkish Military Aviation Authority by the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries.

Defence Turkey: Mr. Ceran, development of Indigenous Mission Computer (OZGUR) program for Fighter aircrafts is one of the issues Turkey prioritizes. Previously, within the scope of the “T-38 Arı”, “Anka”, “Erciyes” and “Atak” programs, certain studies for developing a indigenous mission computer were conducted and as of now, these computers are functioning on these platforms. In addition to the utilization of the OZGUR Indigenous mission computer to be developed in our combat aircrafts, is this computer’s usage by other platforms that exist in the inventory of our Air Forces’ fleet today or in the future considered among the priorities of Turkey? Are there any challenges fronting Turkey in this respect?

We believe that the capabilities gained through the “OZGUR” Project will establish an important know-how and infrastructure towards the design of Turkish Indigenous Jet Fighter (TF-X) to replace the F-16 aircrafts in the future as well as the modernization of other air platforms in our inventory. We aim to accelerate and increase the studies regarding the systems/sub systems that bear great importance for the air platforms such as the development of indigenous mission computer in order for our Defence Industry to reach a sustainable structure that would compete in international arena. Naturally, we went through significant challenges when we initiated the studies on the development of the mission computer. Nevertheless, with the experiences and expertise we gained during the ongoing projects, we managed to overcome the difficulties and transferred our capabilities to Fighter Platforms.

Defence Turkey: Delivery of the first two aircrafts as part of the A-400M Strategic Transport Aircraft Program was completed in 2014. Supposing there are no delays in the program schedule, 10 packages ordered by Turkey is planned to be delivered to Turkish Air Forces until 2018. Which different features will MSN 23 and MSN 28 tail-numbered aircrafts determined to be delivered in 2015 within the scope of this program have compared with the MSN-9 and MSN-13 tail-numbered configurations that were delivered in the previous year? Could you please inform us on the latest status of the aircrafts that are planned to be delivered in 2015?

Delivery of two more A400M aircrafts is planned within 2015 according to the existing schedule. Certain delays emerged in the development of several capabilities committed by the Airbus Space and Defence (ADS) Company as per the contract. As a member of A400M Program, our country is working on certain mechanisms that would minimize the effects of the aforesaid delays and remediate the functioning of the planned program with the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) that is conducting the program on behalf of the countries and with other countries that are members of A400M program. The delays in the development of certain military capabilities (Paradrop and Airdrop, Defensive Aids System and Air-to-Air Refueling) in the current stage within the scope of the program naturally affect the configuration of the aircrafts. Studies in order to fill the aforesaid gaps are continuing. We believe that the committed capabilities’ integration to the aircrafts will be possible in the upcoming term with the modifications on the aircrafts.

Defence Turkey: Mr. Ceran, Turkey is planned to receive all the aircrafts within the scope of the A400M program between 2014 and 2018 and according to this schedule, certain differences will emerge between the first configuration and the last configuration to be received. Which approach does Turkey plan to adopt on upgrading the existing configuration to the final configuration? Are there any requirements already identified in this respect?

Within the scope of the program contract, certain configuration changes have been identified for all the aircrafts. Currently, integration of the configuration changes in line with the planned modifications (also depending on the development of the lacking capabilities) on the aircrafts is planned. In accordance with the developments in the program, whether an addendum is required or not and the method to be implemented will be evaluated in the following stage.

Defence Turkey: What is the final status of the flight and test activities regarding the Hürkuş-A civil certified Turkish Basic Trainer Aircraft program? How does will the certification process proceed? In parallel with these developments, could you please inform us on the current status of the studies conducted in Hürkuş-B new generation basic trainer aircraft’s serial production and Hürkuş-C configurations?

Hürkuş-A flight tests continue with two flying prototypes. Currently, a total of 140 hours have been recorded in a total of 131 flights. The maximum altitude reached in the flights is 30300 feet and maximum speed is 295 knots. Aircraft’s civil certification process according to EASA CS-23 is continuing.
There are approximately 1670 airworthiness requirements within the scope of the certification activities of Hürkuş Project. Certification panel meetings are conducted on Flight Performance, Structural, Avionics, Hydromechanics, Propulsion/Fuel, Environmental Control System, Cabin Safety, Noise, Software and Complex Hardware to show compliance with certification requirements
We are conducting our studies in line with the schedule agreed upon with the EASA and SHGM. We aim to receive the Type Certificate in the first quarter of 2016. As you know, Hürkuş-B’s project schedule started in June 2014. We completed the system requirements phase and the project is currently under the preliminary design phase. Within the scope of Hürkuş-B project, the conceptual design activities of the Hürkuş-C aircraft will be conducted as well. The studies for the preparation of an operation concept and technical specifications are continuing.

Defence Turkey: As part of our Air Forces Command’s Basic Trainer Aircrafts requirements, a KT-1 (40-15) Basic Trainer Aircraft contract was signed with the South Korean Company KAI and 40 of these aircrafts were received. With the rapid and successful advancement of the Hürkuş-A development program, it was considered that Turkey would not use this 15-itemed option. However, Turkey preparing an additional order came up recently. What would you like to say in this respect?

In order to satisfy Air Forces Command’s need for new generation basic trainer aircraft with an indigenous aircraft, a decree was adopted in the Defence Industry Executive Committee of 26 September 2013 in this matter. Within the scope of this decree, according to the contract signed, the first serially produced aircraft is expected to be taken into the inventory in 2018.
As known, KT-1T and Hürkuş training aircrafts are intended to be used in the multinational flight school that is planned to be launched in 2015 for training pilots to Turkish Air Forces. In this respect, until the completion of the development of Hürkuş-B aircraft, the efforts for the procurement of the required 15 KT-1T aircrafts are planned to be continued.

Note: This interview is older then last announcement about HÜRKUŞ/KT-1T issue. As you know it's decided to cancel +15 KT-1T procurement and it's decided to provide early delivery of HÜRKUŞs.

Defence Turkey: Would you like to inform us on the current status of the Basic Trainer Aircraft project?

The RFP for the supply of 52 BEU in order to meet Turkish Armed Forces’ basic training requirement was announced and the proposals were received. The evaluation process still continues.

Defence Turkey: Could you briefly enlighten us on the final status of the “CN-235 Avionic Modernization”, “Peace Eagle” and “Meltem-3” programs that are executed as part of the Defence Industry Aircraft Division as well?

Within the framework of the Peace Eagle Program, 3 Aircrafts, Mission Support Centers and Mission Simulator’s initial deliveries were accomplished in 2014. Efforts for bringing all the systems to the level of final delivery capability are continuing. Delivery of the 4th aircraft and Ground Support Station with all capabilities included is planned to take place in 2015. Moreover, within the scope of the contract, we successfully completed the first year of the logistical support activities required to be provided by the Boeing Company for 5 years.
Within the scope of Meltem 3 Project, Two Maritime Utility Aircraft (ATR-72 TMUA) that were delivered in 2013 have been put into service by our Naval Forces Command in order to personnel and cargo transport. On the other hand, with the Performance Based Logistics Services provided by the Alenia Aermacchi Company as part of the project, the maintenance of the aircrafts is being conducted. The modification and integration activities of the Maritime Patrol Aircraft to be delivered are being executed in TAI’s facilities. This aircraft will arrive to Alenia Aermacchi facilities located in Torino, Italy for the qualification and certification activities in the upcoming months.
In the CN-235 Avionic Modernization Project, the Project Identification Document containing the technical requirements has been updated by Turkish General Staff. Following the finalization of the aforesaid requirements, the necessary steps will be taken by out Undersecretariat for Defence Industries.

Defence Turkey: Finally, is there any message you would like to convey to the readers of Defence Turkey?

I would like to thank you again for giving us the opportunity to reach at your readers on the projects we conduct under the auspices of Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries. I would like all our readers that closely follow the developments in Turkish defence industry to know that that the officials of the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries are uninterruptedly exerting their efforts with the aim to replace all the products used by Turkish Armed Forces with the national ones.
 
telkon said:
not similar, that's carbon copy.
Click to expand...

Turkish version has one less window on the side.

A dosmestic engine for the helicopter would be the topping on the pie. Do we have a roadmap for it?
 
Ya bişe dicem. Biraz değişik yapsalar da şu ithamlara maruz kalmasak olmaz mı ?
 

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