TF - TUSAS

TF

In order to meet Turkish Air Force (TurAF) requirements beyond 2030s, an indigenous design and development program aims to replace the aging F-16 fleet of TurAF.

Within the scope of TF-X Program, Turkey will become one of the few countries to possess the necessary technologies, engineering infrastructure and production capabilities. Once the engineering activities on all the critical technologies are accomplished (e.g. increased situational awareness, sensor fusion, low observability, weapon bay, …etc), which are needed by a 5th generation (or beyond) jet fighter aircraft.

TF-X aircraft is planned to be kept operational in the TurAF inventory until 2070s and will be interoperable with other critical assets of TurAF such as F-35As.

The TF-X indigenous design and development program prime contract between Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) of Ministry of Turkish National Defence and Turkish Aerospace has been signed on 5th of August 2016.

The timing of this signature alone, is a key demonstrator of Turkey’s determination of running mega-projects uninterruptedly, even under extra-ordinary conditions.

Currently, the prime contract covers the initial four (4) years (starting after signature of major subcontracts) which will end up with completion of preliminary design phase. Within this period beyond the design and development of TF-X Aircraft, engineering capabilities, technology development activities (for key sensors like radar, electronic warfare..etc.), test infrastructures establishment and certification processes will be performed and extensive capabilities for a new generation jet fighter design, development and production will be gained by Turkish industry.

TF-X aircraft will be a multi-role aircraft, it will be designed mainly for air-to-air role with a consideration to air-to-surface roles as well. Upon engineering analysis, TF-X aircraft will be a multi-role aircraft, it will be designed mainly for air-to-air role with a consideration to air-to-surface roles as well. Upon engineering analysis, preliminary calculations, based on received information of suppliers of candidate engines, TF-X aircraft is decided to be a twin engine configuration.

Turkish Fighter-TF, the 5+ Generation Multirole Fighter Aircraft, provides significant capabilities in both Air to Surface and Air to Air combat requirements. Turkish Aerospace’s survivable, strong and agile platform Turkish Fighter is a fully aware warrior, with intelligent and strong combat capabilities.

Turkish Fighter provides air dominance through:

- Increased air to air engagement ranges with Novel Weapons
- Precise and accurate weapon firing from internal weapon bays at high/supersonic speed
- Augmented lethality with support of Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks.

FEATURES

High Situational Awareness

High situational awareness supported by fast data transfer between advanced on-board sensors and other operational elements. Instant and effective transfer of the image of the operation area to mission elements.

Optimized Pilot Workload

Decision support needed by the pilot in the complex warfare environment through effective man and machine teaming and integrated pilot interfaces, and reduced mission-focused pilot workload through sensor fusion and increased automation.

Combat Damage Detection

Damage detection in the operation area during combat and reporting to the pilot by advanced systems.

New Generation Mission Systems

With high performance Radar, Electronic Warfare, Electro-Optical, Communication, Navigation and Identification capabilities designed by local and national means for high mission success goals under all conditions and threats, automatic target recognition and detection maximizing the pilot's 360 degree situational awareness, and with multi-data fusion and artificial intelligence, new generation mission systems providing the pilot superiority at decision level at the combat field.

Joint Operability With Other Elements

Operable with the air, land and sea elements of the Turkish Armed Forces such as F-16, Airborne Warning and Control System (HIK), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Atak, as well as with the elements of friendly nations.

Low Observability And Infrared Trace

Low Radar and Infrared Trace of the National Combat Aircraft in accordance with the future combat environment.

Sensor And Data Fusion Supported Firing

Precise striking capability thanks to the firing control system supported by advanced sensors and the compilation of different incoming data in accordance with the future combat concept.

Short Mission Preparation Time

Short mission preparation time between two missions to increase the number of effective sorties.

Easy Maintenance

With an on-board testing capability and disassembly-assembly approach, easy and fast care and maintenance.

Sustainable Lifecycle Support

With an approach of “Design the Support and Support the Design”, planning and easy and quick performance of maintenance and operation operations from the design phase throughout its lifecycle.

Cost Effective Lifecycle Support

Highly reliable systems with a low failure frequency, and cost effective lifecycle support using the most cost-effective solution with the public-private cooperation.

TECHNICAL DATA

Dimensions / Weight

Performance

Wing Span

14 m

(46 ft)

Length

21 m

(69 ft)

Hight

6 m

(20 ft)