Under the main contractor Turkish Aerospace, in the scope of the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) Project, design activities for aircraft subsystems has begun.
In line with the 5th generation warplane requirement of the Turkish Air Force Command, design activities continue within the scope of the National Combat Aircraft Project initiated by the Presidency of Defence Industry (SSB) and carried out by the main contractor Turkish Aerospace. According to the information obtained; while the wind tunnel tests related to the aircraft will continue in 2021, the design activities of the subsystems will begin.
The National Combat Aircraft, which will replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon type warplanes in the inventory of the Turkish Air Force Command, is planned to exit the hangar in 2023, to make its first flight in 2026, to be delivered to the Air Force Command in 2029 and to reach full capacity flight capability in 2030s.
In the MMU prototype, which will exit the hangar with its engine running in 2023, the F110 Turbofan Engine developed by the US company General Electric will be used. However, in parallel with the MMU Program, the development of a local turbofan engine is among the goals.
UK-based BAE Systems also provides technical support to Turkish Aerospace within the scope of MMU Project. Currently, many BAE Systems engineers are working at Turkish Aerospace facilities in Ankara. MMU’s cooperation with the British Rolls-Royce company for the indigenous engine is on the agenda. The planned cooperation with Rolls-Royce has not been initiated until now due to a couple of disputes.
In addition, the National Combat Aircraft will be developed in various phases. In other words, it is aimed that the first aircraft to be included in the inventory will be 4.5 generation, and at the end of the project, the final aircraft will be 5th generation.
TurkishDefenceNews.com