Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has made remarkable progress since it was established in1984. Continuously developing its technological capabilities and its range of expertise, TAI (Hall 1, F2) has recently signed major contracts covering Turkish airborne early warning aircraft and the modernisation of Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk helicopters.
The contract is among the major defence projects signed in the past 10 years, worth nearly $1.1 billion. Under the contract Turkey will acquire six Boeing B737-700s and one ground support system from Boeing.
All the structural modifications and flight tests for the aircraft due to be converted into early warning aircraft will be performed at TAI sites.
Work on the first aircraft will be conducted at Boeing in Seattle with the participation of TAI engineers and technicians.The contract for the modernisation of Black Hawk helicopters was signed on 5 July.
Modernisation
TAI will be the prime contractor – responsible for structural and electrical design, modification and installation – enabling TAI to gain important capabilities in modernisation and customisation.
TAI's general manager Kaya Ergenc says: "Since it was established TAI has pursued an important goal which is to become a technology centre in design, development, manufacturing and integration of aerospace systems.
"We are also involved with the modernisation and after-sales support of military and commercial aircraft in both Turkey and in the region. With the recently-signed Turkish early warning aircraft and Black Hawk modernisation contracts, TAI will further develop its capabilities in avionics and systems integration."
Ankara-based TAI has a modern aircraft facility enabling design, assembly and training. "TAI not only produces aerial platforms to meet the requirements of the Turkish armed forces but also manufactures aerostructures for worldwide aviation companies," says Ergenc.
Source: Flight Daily News
