I thought a lot about how to use the Akıncı&KE pair. With your permission, I will share these ideas here as well.
Let's start with the engines of these platforms. First of all, I think we should make Akıncı's engines one type. And we should choose these engines from TS-1400 derived turbo prop engines. It should be our first job after Gökbey integration. As for KE, we have a significant amount of AI-25TLT engines, including spare engines. We were able to produce with those engines until the TF-6000/10000 matures.
If Akıncı and Kızılelma don't have engine problems, and it seems that they don't, I think our goal should not only be to reduce burden of F16s with them. Instead, we should aim to replace our entire fleet of F16s with a fleet of drones, if necessary! So, whether the USA sells us F16s or not, we shouldn't need F16s.
All right, but how do we do this?
Here's what I'm thinking: We're going to use Akıncı as an "in air sniper". KE will be the "in air soldier" fighting on the front line. Some Akıncıs (missile trucks) will carry guided artillery rockets, cruise missiles and very long range air-to-air missiles. Some Akıncıs will be scouts, namely "UAV AWACS". Some KEs will engage in air-to-air combat. And some KEs will also make an air-ground attack.
Thus, with the (Akıncı&KE) duo, any task done with our F16s can be performed. IMO we can reach this goal in just 3 years.
Let's start with the engines of these platforms. First of all, I think we should make Akıncı's engines one type. And we should choose these engines from TS-1400 derived turbo prop engines. It should be our first job after Gökbey integration. As for KE, we have a significant amount of AI-25TLT engines, including spare engines. We were able to produce with those engines until the TF-6000/10000 matures.
If Akıncı and Kızılelma don't have engine problems, and it seems that they don't, I think our goal should not only be to reduce burden of F16s with them. Instead, we should aim to replace our entire fleet of F16s with a fleet of drones, if necessary! So, whether the USA sells us F16s or not, we shouldn't need F16s.
All right, but how do we do this?
Here's what I'm thinking: We're going to use Akıncı as an "in air sniper". KE will be the "in air soldier" fighting on the front line. Some Akıncıs (missile trucks) will carry guided artillery rockets, cruise missiles and very long range air-to-air missiles. Some Akıncıs will be scouts, namely "UAV AWACS". Some KEs will engage in air-to-air combat. And some KEs will also make an air-ground attack.
Thus, with the (Akıncı&KE) duo, any task done with our F16s can be performed. IMO we can reach this goal in just 3 years.