TR Aircraft Carrier and Amphibious Ship Programs

Zafer

Experienced member
Messages
4,683
Reactions
7 7,389
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
Do we have the tech to build one?
I think it was the hydraulic arresters that were used in land based trials.
We did not have the technology to make the things that we are making today just a few years ago.
Electrical motors are simple things, we sure can make them in a few months.
 

TheInsider

Experienced member
Professional
Messages
4,052
Solutions
1
Reactions
34 14,433
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
It seems that there is a plan to alter the design of TCG Anadolu so that TB3 drones can land and take off from the deck of this amphibious landing dock.
As well as extending the ski jump, the area behind the lift at the aft section is being covered and extended to the edge as shown in the illustration below.
This ship is being built with technical know how and under the supervision of Navantia of Spain. There must be some sort of a contract whereby certain penalty clauses are appended in case of delays and/or design problems. So within this framework, until Navantia have released the ship and TN has accepted the ship in full, there shouldn’t be much conversion possibility on the ship. That is true unless the whole project was renewed recently and a new contract was drawn. May be @Anmdt can enlighten us better and further.
TCG Anadolu is essentially a LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock). Because it will be able to carry T-929, Super Cobra and Seahawk helicopters that can launch MRAShM, Temren and L-Umtas missiles as well as accommodate ULAQ vessels that can launch torpedoes and medium range anti ship missiles, it is virtually an assault destroyer class ship that projects considerable fire power..
Although it was never a necessity, adding TB3s will certainly make it even more formidable.

View attachment 39307
This is probably not TCG Anadolu this is TCG Trakya.

BTW Fac-55 design is indeed chosen as the design of Turk-type FAC. What SSB shared yesterday is not a placeholder picture. The end product will be similar to the pictures we saw in the video. Prototype construction will start this year.
 
Last edited:

Yasar_TR

Experienced member
Staff member
Administrator
Messages
3,225
Reactions
138 16,108
Nation of residence
United Kingdom
Nation of origin
Turkey
This is probably not TCG Anadolu this is TCG Trakya.

BTW Fac-55 design is indeed chosen as the design of Turk-type FAC. What SSB shared yesterday is not a placeholder picture. The end product will be similar to the pictures we saw in the video. Prototype construction will start this year.
That is the logical way to go. But the news clearly says that they will redesign TCG Anadolu to enable TB3 operations. In fact it says that the back of the lift already covered.
 

Anmdt

Experienced member
Naval Specialist
Professional
Messages
5,458
Solutions
2
Reactions
114 24,635
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
It seems that there is a plan to alter the design of TCG Anadolu so that TB3 drones can land and take off from the deck of this amphibious landing dock.
As well as extending the ski jump, the area behind the lift at the aft section is being covered and extended to the edge as shown in the illustration below.
This ship is being built with technical know how and under the supervision of Navantia of Spain. There must be some sort of a contract whereby certain penalty clauses are appended in case of delays and/or design problems. So within this framework, until Navantia have released the ship and TN has accepted the ship in full, there shouldn’t be much conversion possibility on the ship. That is true unless the whole project was renewed recently and a new contract was drawn. May be @Anmdt can enlighten us better and further.
TCG Anadolu is essentially a LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock). Because it will be able to carry T-929, Super Cobra and Seahawk helicopters that can launch MRAShM, Temren and L-Umtas missiles as well as accommodate ULAQ vessels that can launch torpedoes and medium range anti ship missiles, it is virtually an assault destroyer class ship that projects considerable fire power..
Although it was never a necessity, adding TB3s will certainly make it even more formidable.

View attachment 39307
Turkish Navy is yet to decide fate of the Anadolu. There are 2 paths at the moment, i have roughly mentioned about this earlier in this thread.

  • 3 ships are planned: Anadolu is kept in LHD role primarily, with the ability of launching recovering TB3 for ISR and Amphibious support / precision strike / target illumination duties, note here Anadolu won't be modified extensively but modifications will be an add-on. A second ship, planned pre-2030 for project to commence, will be the drone carrier capable of launching /recovering MIUS / TB3 and other (2 more) unmanned systems with future option of Hurjet-Naval, acting as a Light aircraft carrier, while a 3rd ship ,planned post-2030 for project to commence, aimed to bring long-deployment true aircraft carrier, able to operate MIUS, Hurjet-Naval and other Naval aviation fixed units to operate as a true aircraft carrier with maintenance capability.

  • 2 ship are planned: Anadolu starts as an LHD operated for a few year, its capability then upgraded gradually to the second ship's level, the one mentioned above, and takes duty of the drone carrier by 2030, this plan includes a permanent modification on Anadolu above the level we expect including the sensors etc. The third ship of the above plan commences pre-2030 in here focusing on manned and heavier unmanned systems.

The displayed modifications are for both a vision of Trakya, and a possible upgrade for Anadolu. It is so "mixed up" at the moment nobody can make straight claims about those including the top officials. Navy will make a strategical decision and then they will follow either of the path from above, but a strong mind in Navy wants to keep Anadolu as an LHD with limited drone capabilities for sake of low-maintenance power projection capabilities and in a third plan they plan to combine the 2nd and 3rd ship of the 1st plan. However i know the displayed model does not hold the systems that Navy particularly wants in the Trakya; Elavators on sides, AESA based MFR /AESA based EW, maintenance bay etc.

So in the end we actually end up with 3 possible plans;

  1. Anadolu + Trakya + AC - 3 Distinct ships
  2. (Anadolu + Trakya) + AC - 2 Distinct ships
  3. Anadolu + (Trakya + AC) - 2 Distinct ships
 

TheInsider

Experienced member
Professional
Messages
4,052
Solutions
1
Reactions
34 14,433
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
That is the logical way to go. But the news clearly says that they will redesign TCG Anadolu to enable TB3 operations. In fact it says that the back of the lift already covered.
Yes TCG Anadolu will be modified to some extent but this is the render of TCG Trakya. This is the drone mothership which will be designed(based on Juan Carlos) with some contribution from Navantia. The extent of modification on TCG Anadolu is not clear but I don't expect huge changes to the deck which might affect stability and seakeeping. Modifications will probably be more conservative.
 

BTT34

Active member
Messages
45
Reactions
1 43
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
Turkish Navy is yet to decide fate of the Anadolu. There are 2 paths at the moment, i have roughly mentioned about this earlier in this thread.

  • 3 ships are planned: Anadolu is kept in LHD role primarily, with the ability of launching recovering TB3 for ISR and Amphibious support / precision strike / target illumination duties, note here Anadolu won't be modified extensively but modifications will be an add-on. A second ship, planned pre-2030 for project to commence, will be the drone carrier capable of launching /recovering MIUS / TB3 and other (2 more) unmanned systems with future option of Hurjet-Naval, acting as a Light aircraft carrier, while a 3rd ship ,planned post-2030 for project to commence, aimed to bring long-deployment true aircraft carrier, able to operate MIUS, Hurjet-Naval and other Naval aviation fixed units to operate as a true aircraft carrier with maintenance capability.

  • 2 ship are planned: Anadolu starts as an LHD operated for a few year, its capability then upgraded gradually to the second ship's level, the one mentioned above, and takes duty of the drone carrier by 2030, this plan includes a permanent modification on Anadolu above the level we expect including the sensors etc. The third ship of the above plan commences pre-2030 in here focusing on manned and heavier unmanned systems.

The displayed modifications are for both a vision of Trakya, and a possible upgrade for Anadolu. It is so "mixed up" at the moment nobody can make straight claims about those including the top officials. Navy will make a strategical decision and then they will follow either of the path from above, but a strong mind in Navy wants to keep Anadolu as an LHD with limited drone capabilities for sake of low-maintenance power projection capabilities and in a third plan they plan to combine the 2nd and 3rd ship of the 1st plan. However i know the displayed model does not hold the systems that Navy particularly wants in the Trakya; Elavators on sides, AESA based MFR /AESA based EW, maintenance bay etc.

So in the end we actually end up with 3 possible plans;

  1. Anadolu + Trakya + AC - 3 Distinct ships
  2. (Anadolu + Trakya) + AC - 2 Distinct ships
  3. Anadolu + (Trakya + AC) - 2 Distinct ships
Doesn't TCG Anadolu have AESA based EW?
 

Hexciter

Experienced member
Messages
2,575
Reactions
4 11,451
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
Will Turkey’s future LHD be modified to house more drones?
Illustration of Turkey's future LHD (SSB image)

Will Turkey Modify Its Future LHD To Carry More UAVs?​

On January 31, Turkey's Presidency of Defence Industries, or SSB, published a new video announcing the defense industry's ambitions for 2022. The design of Turkey's prospective Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), Anadolu, appears to have been modified in the footage to deploy more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).​

Tayfun Ozberk 02 Feb 2022

Just like in 2021, SSB released a video to announce Turkey’s 2022 goals in defence industry. The video includes deliveries of defence products, and milestones in important projects in all domains, naval warfare, air warfare, land warfare, as well as civilian applications.

The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV, which can land and take off on ships with short runways, will take to the skies for the first time this year. The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV will thereafter be integrated into the Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship ANADOLU.

Ismail Demir, Head of SSB

According to the video, the integration of TB-3 armed drones (which are currently being produced specifically for carriers by the Baykar defense company) aboard LHD Anadolu would begin in 2022. This is a foregone conclusion given that the Turkish government and Baykar firm declared the conversion of LHD Anadolu into a drone carrier. The rendering of Anadolu, on the other hand, sparked discussion regarding the size of the carrier’s runway and the number of drones on deck.

When compared to current LHD Anadoluphotos and prior renderings, the new illustration depicts a wider and longer runway aboard the ship. On the deck, there are approximately 40 folded-wing drones, according to the new image.

Turkey-LHD-Anadolu-1024x512.jpg
The most recent photo of the future TCG Anadolu (Credit: Tayfun Ozberk)

In a March interview, SSB Head Ismail Demir stated that after the project is completed, between 30 and 50 folding-winged Bayraktar TB3 drones will be sent to Anadolu. After seven months, he disclosed in a TV interview that LHD Anadolu will house up to 80 drones. His second statement matches with the number of the drones in the illustration.

There is also a project to operate Turkey’s indigenous jet trainer and light attack aircraft HURJET onboard the future flagship of the Turkish Navy.

Author’s opinion on LHD Anadolu rendering:

Though the rendering suggests a wider and longer runway for drone operations, such a modification to an LHD could take a long time for the Turkish Navy. The Turkish Navy’s need for and excitement about the new LHD is well known. The Anadolu commissioning was one of the SSB’s 2021 projections, but it does not feature in the movie presenting the SSB’s 2022 agenda. This might be interpreted as SSB not expecting to deliver LHD Anadolu in 2022.

Even though SSB could be able to deliver LHD Anadolu to the Turkish Navy in the first quarter of 2023, there would be a two-year delay. As a result, executing such a massive upgrade appears impractical at the moment, and would almost certainly significantly increase the ship’s cost.

Turkey LHD Anadolu TB-2 UCAV Drone
The first rendering showing the take-off and landing concept of TB-3 drones on LHD Anadolu
As a result, we might claim that Anadolu‘s illustration may lead us astray. Furthermore, there has been no formal confirmation of such a deck modification. A roller mechanism for launching drones will be fitted, according to Selcuk Bayraktar, Chief Technology Officer of Baykar. He also stated that they are considering utilizing security nets to secure the drones upon landing, but that they will not be needed because the drones will stop on the deck before hitting the nets.

Another possibility is that the rendering in the video belongs to Turkey’s second LHD, which will be known as “Trakya.” Turkish President Erdogan recently revealed Turkey’s plans to build an aircraft carrier in collaboration with Spain (probably Navantia), and this remark was taken by experts as the second LHD. Erdogan stated in his announcement that the new ship will be larger and more capable than the LHD Anadolu. If we combine the most recent drawing with the Turkish President’s words, we get a conceptual design for Turkey’s second LHD. Time will tell…
 
Last edited:

Yasar_TR

Experienced member
Staff member
Administrator
Messages
3,225
Reactions
138 16,108
Nation of residence
United Kingdom
Nation of origin
Turkey
”TCG Anadolu is an amphibious assault ship”
Exactly! That is what she is!
What makes modern frigates and destroyers even deadlier, is their ability to project fire power away from their hull at a distance and altitude through the one helicopter they carry. This ship is going to have a multitude of helicopters (and tactical UCAVs) to do that. Added to that it will most likely have a swarm of ULAQs fitted with a plethora of anti ship missiles and torpedoes like Atmaca, MRAShM, Lumtas, Cirit, Temren, Akya or Orko for ASW and ASuW too.
Then of course there is the Sea to Land assault capability this ship has, with her Zaha and other amhibous landing crafts she has under her belly with the tanks and AFVs together with the battalion it carries.
Yes! It is an assault ship.
 

Zafer

Experienced member
Messages
4,683
Reactions
7 7,389
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
TCG Anadolu video shared by technicians doing electrical equipment fitting.
I wouldn't expect to see this. They will probably get in trouble for this.
 

kimov

Committed member
Messages
164
Reactions
1 408
Nation of residence
Sweden
Nation of origin
Turkey
TCG Anadolu video shared by technicians doing electrical equipment fitting.
I wouldn't expect to see this. They will probably get in trouble for this.
I really hope they get in trouble, at least a reprimand as It is not their job to share information.
These people really need to understand security and stop filming everything they see even if nothing is revealed.
 

Pilatino

Well-known member
Messages
338
Reactions
3 675
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
🗣 Our President IsmailDemir talked about the developments in the Turkish defense industry on CNN Türk broadcast.

"At least 50 A/UAVs will be deployed to our ANADOLU Ship. This number can go up to 110 depending on the configuration."

Nightmare, in a war condition their first thing will be trying to sink this ship so we should start TF2000 ASAP
 

Anmdt

Experienced member
Naval Specialist
Professional
Messages
5,458
Solutions
2
Reactions
114 24,635
Nation of residence
Turkey
Nation of origin
Turkey
🗣 Our President IsmailDemir talked about the developments in the Turkish defense industry on CNN Türk broadcast.

"At least 50 A/UAVs will be deployed to our ANADOLU Ship. This number can go up to 110 depending on the configuration."

Navy evaluates this on basis of;
Drones to be operated simultaneously, through ADVENT SYS,
Drone take-off, landing intervals runway clearances to minimize gaps in the ISR / Strike roles.
 

Yasar_TR

Experienced member
Staff member
Administrator
Messages
3,225
Reactions
138 16,108
Nation of residence
United Kingdom
Nation of origin
Turkey
I have always been one of the sceptics about the protection systems present on TCG Anadolu. But looking at the amount of self protection there is on this to be flagship, my worries are dissipating a little bit;
5 x Aselsan 25mm STOP,
2 x Phalanx 20mm CIWS,
1 x RAM (may be 2 ; at least that is what it looks like - I would prefer Levent ER but probably won’t be ready for a while yet) @Anmdt may shed more light to it.
There may be a Torpedo decoy launcher,
I still think a VLS basket with G40 or ESSM wouldn’t go a miss!

1646673125186.jpeg
 

Follow us on social media

Latest posts

Top Bottom