The First TAI-Modernized T38M Prototype Is Delivered

[BronzePlaque]

Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI), as a prime contractor, was awarded a contract by the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) to design, develop and implement an avionics upgrade for the TurAF under the T-38 Avionics Modernization (ARI) Program.

In the framework of the program, a total of 55 TurAF T-38A aircraft are to be upgraded. The upgrade process of five aircraft is ongoing at TAI’s facilities whereas the remaining 50 production aircraft will be modified at TurAF 1st Air Supply and Maintenance Center with technical support of TAI.

Key elements of the TAI-designed upgrade include a new central control computer, multi-function cockpit displays, head-up displays, hands-on throttle and stick controls and modern navigation and communication equipment. Suppliers include Turkish firms Aselsan and Havelsan.

The avionics upgrade of the first prototype of T38 trainer aircraft was successfully completed by TAI and delivered to TurAF.

Following the prototype deliveries in 2012, the last aircraft modification is planned to be completed in 2014.

The Turkish T-38, is a derivative of the Northrop T-38 Talon, the world's first supersonic trainer The twin engined T-38 is used by the USAF and by NASA. Pilots of other NATO nations also fly the T-38 in joint training programs with USAF pilots.

The First TAI-Modernized T38M Prototype Is Delivered? - Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc.

Turkey's first T38 modernised jet trainer is handed over

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-turkish-air-force-receives-upgraded-t-38m-370997/

 

[BronzePlaque]

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has received a development contract for a project to create an indigenous jet training and combat aircraft.

According to the agreement between the company and Turkey's Undersecretariat for Defence Industries, Savunma Sanayii Müsteşarlığı (SSM), the two-year project will focus on showing the needs and capacity of the nation's industry.

The SSM decided late last year that a Turkish jet trainer should be designed to replace the Turkish air force's Northrop T-38s during the 2020s.

TAI is currently modernising the in-service fleet with advanced avionics and a glass cockpit.

Under the new project, TAI will also perform conceptual design work on a new combat aircraft to replace the air force's modernised Northrop F-5s(pre-F16 trainer jet) and McDonnell Douglas F-4Es.

TAI's work will concentrate on determining the operational requirements for new equipment, plus the concept definition of aircraft and subsystems.

It will also assess national capacity building and research facility needs, and investigate international co-operation models.

At the end of the two-year effort, the results of the technical and administrative studies will be evaluated by the SSM's executive committee, which will make a decision on the next phase of the project.

Turkey launches jet trainer, fighter development studies

 

[Saithan]

It's still a very good looking test flight.