Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ) CEO Dr Temel Kotil was Instagram live guest of C4Defence on April 21. Kotil made statements that would change the schedule about the Turkish Fighter Jet (TF-X) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) integration.

Kotil stated that TUSAŞ is working with full capacity to develop systems that meet all the requirements of the modern battlefield. A question about the TF-X  and a UAV integration was posed. Kotil noted that TF-X was designed in line with the requirements of the future needs and that it is possible to collaborate with UAVs. Kotil said that TF-X could be integrated with Akinci UAV. With this statement of Kotil, the future TF-X -Akıncı collaboration has come to the agenda between TUSAŞ’s TF-X and the combat version of Baykar’s Akıncı UAV.

Kotil informed that TF-X’s maiden flight and initial tests would be performed with General Electric production F110 engines used in F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Kotil announced that TF-X would perform the maiden flight in 2025.

Kotil answered questions about TUSAŞ UAV projects Aksungur, which is TUSAŞ’s double-engine UAV. He stated that the weapon integration process had been initiated on the platform. The process continues although the virus outbreak, and the weapon systems integration is about to be completed. Kotil stated that the work for the jet-powered UAV, which is known as Göksungur in public, is ongoing but did not give any further details.

Making a statement regarding the delivery of Hürkuş-B, Kotil stated that although the final delivery is planned for March 2020, there are unwanted delays due to COVID-19.

Stating that the Hürjet project was carried out with the firm’s resources, Kotil explained that Hürjet was looking for a partner. Kotil stated that sharing the cost is essential for the process and efforts are continuing for possible collaborations. It was emphasized that the priority of the project was the training aircraft, while the AESA-type radar could remain in the secondary plan. Kotil added that the only engine in the project is the right choice.

Turkey will supply T129 attack helicopters to Pakistan. The process is slowed down due to the United States. In his statement to C4Defence, Kotil stated that Pakistan had given TUSAŞ additional time in the T129 Atak supply process. Kotil added that the negotiations with the USA for the export of the engine are continuing and the signing phase is close and that otherwise, it will affect the interests of the USA negatively. Following the signatures in the process, the platforms will be exported to Pakistan.

Giving information about the Heavy Assault Helicopter, Kotil stated that a full-scale model (mock-up) was produced within the scope of the project. Kotil announced that efforts to develop a more original system for verification flights are also progressing rapidly. Kotil stated that Atak-2, which is planned to make its first flight in four years, will have an internal radar, but it is not yet decided whether it will be Mildar or another system. Kotil reminded that a 3000 BG class engine would be used on the Platforms, an imported engine will be included in the first stage, but the development of an original engine with the project is on the list.

While Kotil stated that the Gökbey helicopter would be delivered on October 29, 2021, and there will be no delay in the process, it marked the end of 2020 for the first flight of T629.

The light appeared in the Meltem III Project, which was launched within the scope of the Turkish Navy’s need for a sea patrol aircraft. Answering the questions in the live broadcast of C4Defence, Kotil stated that the first ATR-72MPA reached TUSAŞ Kahramankazan facilities and the certification process will begin. While underlining that the company is in the role of a subcontractor, it was stated that the platforms would be delivered to the Turkish Navy Command, which is the end-user, after the test and integration process.

Describing the latest developments about TUSAŞ Composite Building, Kotil stated that the works at the Composite Building continue despite COVID-19. Kotil stated that it is planned to complete the construction activities in July and start the installation of the devices by September 2020. Stating that autoclave devices and robots are about to be delivered, Kotil stated that production would start at the beginning of 2021 at TUSAŞ Composite Plants.

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