SAHA Expo 2024 – Turkish Aerospace goes supersonic while aiming at improving competitiveness
TUSAŞ (Türk Havacılık ve Uzay Sanayii AŞ), also known as TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries), Inc.), is starting delivering new products while some prototypes are making steps forward to be provided to customer in the near future
“Two days ago we went supersonic with our Hürjet training aircraft, and it was the first time that an aircraft fully developed and produced in Turkey went over Mach 1,” Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, Chief Executive Officer Turkish Aerospace, told the media during SAHA Expo in Istanbul, a few our before the deadly terrorist attack on the company premises close to Ankara.
EDR On-Line understood that the delivery of the first T625 Gökbey multirole utility helicopter is awaited shortly after the Istanbul exhibition will close its door, the established date being October 29th which marks the Turkish Republic National Day.
“In the mean time we are pushing hard on the development of our 10 tonnes utility helicopter, which maiden flight is expected in 2026,” Dr. Demiroğlu said. This helicopter shares most subcomponents with the ATAK 2 combat helicopter, which is also under development. Asked about the latter project, the company CEO told EDR On-Line that currently the priority is being given to the utility version rather than to the combat version, as this is considered a more urgent requirement by Turkish authorities, delivery of the first eight helicopters being planned in 2028 to the Forestry Service. Commenting on the current ATAK, currently in service with the Turkish Land Forces, the Turkish Jandarma, the Turkish Directorate of Security, the Philippine Air Force and the Nigerian Air Force, Dr. Demiroğlu underlined that the helicopter is now fully combat proven, and that customers might increase the number of ATAK in their inventories, while it is attracting interest by other nations.
The TAI stand at SAHA Expo was dominated by the Hürjet, which first deliveries are expected in 2026. “These will be training aircraft, however the armed version will fly before the end of this month,” the CEO announced. “With 55 Hürjet on order for the Turkish Air Force, and the considerable need for training aircraft around the world, I see a big potential for this product,” he underlined.
“At Turkish Aerospace we are doing our best to reduce cost, increase quality and expedite deliveries,” Dr. Demiroğlu underlined, adding that logistic support is also a key element in export programmes, the company main target areas being Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Beside the Hürjet aircraft and the Aksungur UAV full-scale models the TAI stand at SAHA Expo also hosted a UAV Ground Control Station and the Turkish Fighter KAAN Experience Area.
Photos by P. Valpolini