One of the bidders competing for the TF-X Program is the Eurojet Consortium. The distinguishing feature about this proposal is that, one of the firms under this Consortium has also made a separate bid. Looking at the issue from the perspective of air platforms, the engine is definitely a major component. The engine offered by Eurojet supplies power to one of most agile aircraft among the 4th generation aircraft; Eurofighter. We came together with Eurojet’s CEO Clemens Linden to hear their side of story. Our visit enabled us to get key information about the content of Eurojet offer and the impact of international relations on the Program.
C4Defence: Mr. Clemens, we already saw the engine two years ago. At that time, Commanders from the Turkish Air Forces visited your booth. How do you present you engine?
Eurojet Consortium CEO Clemens Linden: We are very glad to be here once again with our engine. It is an original development engine, which we cut in this way so that you can see inside. Its impressive that per each module –we have 15 modules when you look inside– we have far less parts, compared to other engines. It features five-stage HP compressor; unlike the seven-stage compressors seen in others. Thus, it is very simple, robust and reliable design.
C4Defence: Less parts mean less maintenance…
Clemens Linden: Yes. Less maintenance, less weight… The engine weighs one thousand kilograms; 1,054 exactly. Accordingly, it is the best engine with this kind of thrust element. Therefore, we are very proud to be here again like we were two years ago and to show our shareholders the best. We call it the “power of collaboration”. Last year, we celebrated our 30th anniversary of establishment. Surely, that does not mean that the product is 30 years old. It is just that this kind of programs take so long to finalize. This is why we call it the “power of collaboration”; because we learned how to collaborate throughout this process. And we understand very clearly that, here in Turkey, the aim is to do something new and to enhance the knowledge and the experience of the Turkish industry. I had the chance to visit TEI two weeks ago and I am very impressed with the advancement of TEI. I was there 12-14 years ago, and if I compare where they are today in terms of manufacturing capability to my last visit 12 years ago, it is a major step.
