TR TF-X KAAN Fighter Jet

TheInsider

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GeHod01XEAAqUC_


YUGE screen from the video released today.
 

Strong AI

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To conduct different tests simultaneously, six KAAN prototypes will be produced. This will allow us to add new functions and make the process faster. All of them will use domestic engines. Although Hürjet is a training aircraft, it can transform into a fighter jet for many different missions.

Looking at the example of the F-35 in the 5th generation aircraft, they made 14 prototypes and tested for thousands of hours. They still have unresolved issues, such as a target miss on its 25-meter cannon. With the KAAN prototype, we will see many more tests by 2028, right?

"Actually, to accelerate the process, we wanted to increase the number of prototypes. We will make six KAANs, to begin with. These will be test KAANs, so we can carry out different tests simultaneously. Whatever we are developing, our past experiences are extremely valuable. How we can add new functions, how we can make things faster and more economical, this is always on our agenda. One of our major advantages is our heroic army, our users in the field. We work very harmoniously and together with them. We always make sure that the systems they need are operated and integrated with engineering power. We then get their feedback. We finalize the design quickly and move on. We conducted our first flights with KAAN. The first flight was in February of this year. Then, the second flight was made. After these flights, we quickly obtained authorization from the Defense Industry Executive Board to produce six more at TUSAŞ and start the program quickly to conduct further test flights. The production processes are ongoing. I believe that we will go through international processes much faster and more economically for different products or platforms. Therefore, by the end of 2028, when we deliver the first products, God willing, we have a plan. What will the total cost be? What will be the cost of one aircraft? How many will we produce and sell? To whom will we export? Who will we partner with for the development of the next-generation aircraft? These processes are ongoing. While developing these, we must already start working on the 6th generation aircraft concept. On one hand, what are the required hardware, software, and algorithms to be developed during these tests for manned and unmanned fighter jets and other unmanned platforms? We must do this collectively. With six prototypes, God willing, we will continue with serial production."

 

Saithan

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Domestic engine ? I think they're just going to make 6 prototype to speed up preparedness and to easier hand it over to TuAF when the time comes, so instead of waiting they can finish and test phases that already passed in previous prototypes.
 

Strong AI

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Domestic engine ? I think they're just going to make 6 prototype to speed up preparedness and to easier hand it over to TuAF when the time comes, so instead of waiting they can finish and test phases that already passed in previous prototypes.

He must have misspoken

I think that first sentence comes from the interviewer, because there is no "".
 

KAAN

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Even though the engine project is not yet finalized and no one seems to have a clear idea about it, I would like to ask something I don’t fully understand.

Regarding the KAAN’s engine, the biggest handicap of the project:

If we assume this engine will enter service around 2030, its contemporaries will utilize next-generation technologies such as Adaptive Cycle Engines (ACE) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC).

Yes, in an environment where we still consider the engine a handicap, expecting these technologies not to be included in the engine may seem acceptable or even reasonable.

But here’s the question question and the things that made me ask;

1. Temel Kotil repeatedly stated that the engine would revolutionize ceramic usage.

2. In January, TEI launched projects on CMC (SİCİM, ÖTEKTİK).

3. The new General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu mentioned in his first interview that they were working on an engine suitable for both 5th and 6th generation fighter jets, subtly hinting at a potential delay.

4. In a recent interview with TEI General Manager Mahmut Akşit, he was asked about TVC, and it was stated that such technologies could be added to the aircraft/engine over time.

Now, considering the 6th-generation engine concept in parallel with the ever-growing ambitions of the Turkish Air Force:

Could the country’s ultimate milestone engine utilize TEI’s existing R&D projects ? Can critical engine components like these be updated in future blocks?

Or perhaps the TF35K is being designed with CMC from the outset?

Beyond this, it’s already impossible to infer anything about ACE except for Demiroğlu’s indirect 6th-generation statement.

I know it's extremely speculative but I can't figure out what they're planning based on the interviews and the new R&D projects.
 

uçuyorum

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Even though the engine project is not yet finalized and no one seems to have a clear idea about it, I would like to ask something I don’t fully understand.

Regarding the KAAN’s engine, the biggest handicap of the project:

If we assume this engine will enter service around 2030, its contemporaries will utilize next-generation technologies such as Adaptive Cycle Engines (ACE) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC).

Yes, in an environment where we still consider the engine a handicap, expecting these technologies not to be included in the engine may seem acceptable or even reasonable.

But here’s the question question and the things that made me ask;

1. Temel Kotil repeatedly stated that the engine would revolutionize ceramic usage.

2. In January, TEI launched projects on CMC (SİCİM, ÖTEKTİK).

3. The new General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu mentioned in his first interview that they were working on an engine suitable for both 5th and 6th generation fighter jets, subtly hinting at a potential delay.

4. In a recent interview with TEI General Manager Mahmut Akşit, he was asked about TVC, and it was stated that such technologies could be added to the aircraft/engine over time.

Now, considering the 6th-generation engine concept in parallel with the ever-growing ambitions of the Turkish Air Force:

Could the country’s ultimate milestone engine utilize TEI’s existing R&D projects ? Can critical engine components like these be updated in future blocks?

Or perhaps the TF35K is being designed with CMC from the outset?

Beyond this, it’s already impossible to infer anything about ACE except for Demiroğlu’s indirect 6th-generation statement.

I know it's extremely speculative but I can't figure out what they're planning based on the interviews and the new R&D projects.
Turkey by nature of it geography is closer to conflict zones, but we also have tankers etc. (That will need renewal in near future). A slightly less efficient engine for KAAN does not make that much of a difference for us. America needs to have a stealth fighter with enough range to take off from a carrier that is far enough from china and maybe russia mainland so that hypersonic missiles and chinese fighters won't hit the carriers like sitting ducks. This puts strict requirements for mission radius, F35C does not meet that criteria afaik. On the other hand, our air forces in 80s refused navy's requesy for a carrier because the country itself is like a giant aircraft carrier with access to a large area.
 

Yasar_TR

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Even though the engine project is not yet finalized and no one seems to have a clear idea about it, I would like to ask something I don’t fully understand.

Regarding the KAAN’s engine, the biggest handicap of the project:

If we assume this engine will enter service around 2030, its contemporaries will utilize next-generation technologies such as Adaptive Cycle Engines (ACE) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC).

Yes, in an environment where we still consider the engine a handicap, expecting these technologies not to be included in the engine may seem acceptable or even reasonable.

But here’s the question question and the things that made me ask;

1. Temel Kotil repeatedly stated that the engine would revolutionize ceramic usage.

2. In January, TEI launched projects on CMC (SİCİM, ÖTEKTİK).

3. The new General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu mentioned in his first interview that they were working on an engine suitable for both 5th and 6th generation fighter jets, subtly hinting at a potential delay.

4. In a recent interview with TEI General Manager Mahmut Akşit, he was asked about TVC, and it was stated that such technologies could be added to the aircraft/engine over time.

Now, considering the 6th-generation engine concept in parallel with the ever-growing ambitions of the Turkish Air Force:

Could the country’s ultimate milestone engine utilize TEI’s existing R&D projects ? Can critical engine components like these be updated in future blocks?

Or perhaps the TF35K is being designed with CMC from the outset?

Beyond this, it’s already impossible to infer anything about ACE except for Demiroğlu’s indirect 6th-generation statement.

I know it's extremely speculative but I can't figure out what they're planning based on the interviews and the new R&D projects.
When we decided to manufacture a gas turbine engine for our helicopters we did not go the directionally solidified turbine blades route. But went for the ultimate at the time, which was single crystal.

If you check the TF6000 engine details, again, we have utilised friction welded fan and compressor blades to get optimum efficiency from the engine.

Eutectic Ceramic Composite materials used in turbine blades have allowed for up to temperatures of 1700 degrees Celsius to be reached and does not require thermal and environmental barrier coatings, whilst imparting very good creep resistance and reliability with fracture toughness, as well as flexural and tensile strength are maintained up to right below the melting point temperature of the materials.
Having set up development programmes for all these materials in house, it is only logical to expect TEI to utilise these technologies somewhere along the way. But apart from the CMC materials being used in hot sections of engines like T901, XA100, LEAP GE9X , which is still a fairly new technology that is being adapted in to turbine engines, the others are still in development stages. But TEI, with close connection to GE, should be able to utilise this tech to our domestic engines. But when that can be is a question only TEI can answer.

Adaptive Cycle engines are still in development stage. The only known working example is the GE’s XA100 engine. This engine gives you best of both worlds.
As you would know, a jet engine is most efficient in turbofan mode at lower altitude where air is denser. But loses efficiency at higher altitudes, which is the domain of turbojets. Adaptive Cycle system, seamlessly crosses from turbofan to turbojet and vice versa, as the plane changes altitude.
There is even a possibility to change from turbojet to ramjet mode using the same adaptive system, giving superior speed characteristics to the plane.

But the recent working trial of CRDE - Continuously Rotatating Detonation Engine system GE has showcased is the way forward of ultimate jet propulsion. A plane propelled by such an engine will theoretically fly in and outside of atmosphere if oxygen is stored on the plane like the fuel. (Pls see below post)

 
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