TUSAŞ's New Chase Plane: DA62
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) has added a new chase plane to its inventory. The twin-engine, propeller-driven DA62, manufactured by the Austrian company Diamond, has joined TUSAŞ's fleet. According to a special report by the website
www.tolgaozbek.com, the aircraft has begun being used in tests.
In flight tests, aerial tracking of prototypes is of great importance. Pilots and engineers aboard the chase plane maintain constant communication with other aircraft or helicopters, contributing to the execution of tests.
TUSAŞ recently retired the S-2E Tracker aircraft, which it had used for many years and had modified with a turboprop engine in the late 1990s.
After searching for a new chase plane, TUSAŞ reached an agreement with the Austrian company Diamond. The aircraft, delivered last week, has been brought to TUSAŞ facilities in Ankara.
For Both Flight Training and Military Platforms
The DA62, which can be used for both training and Multi-Mission Platform (MMP) roles, can be equipped with cameras and various external loads. With modifications, consoles placed in the rear section allow test engineers to monitor the chase plane from the air in real-time.
The aircraft, which can accommodate up to seven seats, can reach a speed of 192 knots (approximately 355 km/h). It can fly at altitudes of up to 20,000 feet with a cabin pressurization system and has a range of 2,385 km.
The aircraft is equipped with two Austro Engine AE330 engines, each producing 180 horsepower, allowing it to stay in the air for over 11 hours.
A Museum at TUSAŞ
TUSAŞ is also working on establishing a museum that will feature prototypes like ZİU and YARASA, as well as the S-2 Tracker.
tolgaozbek.com