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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
ATAK Team Announce T129 Maiden Flight
 AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the ATAK Team, comprising Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI), Aselsan and AgustaWestland, has successfully performed the maiden flight of the first T129 prototype. [AgustaWestland designation is AW729—Ed.]
The T129 P1 prototype helicopter’s maiden flight was successfully completed by AgustaWestland and TAI test pilots during an official ceremony held at AgustaWestland facilities in Vergiate, Italy.
The ATAK Programme was initiated with the aim to meet the 50 firm and 41 optional Attack/Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter requirement of the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLF) by the integration of high-tech avionic equipment, hardware and software which will be developed locally. The programme, in which the Turkish aviation industry is fully involved in the design, development and production phases, is running on time and on budget.
General Manager of TAI, Muharrem Dortkasli said: “It is a great privilege to be here today to witness the first flight of the T129, which will become the most advanced helicopter in its category, so satisfying the requirements of the Land Forces as well as making it very appealing to the international market. An international market in which the Turkish industry will play a primary role.
“It has been a long journey for us to come to this point. We are proud of the success the ATAK Team has generated, a success which I am sure will be followed by many others.”
[AgustaWestland CEO] Giuseppe Orsi commented: “It gives us great pleasure to celebrate today the first flight of the most modern combat helicopter in the world. This event sets a major milestone in our longstanding partnership with Turkish industry and provides clear evidence of how effective this collaboration has been in jointly developing a state-of-the-art all customer-focused solution designed and brought to life in an extraordinary timely manner.
“Today the Turkish aviation industry enters a new era at the forefront of rotorcraft technology. We are committed to further expanding such a successful cooperation in the future.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The contracts for the Turkish Attack and Reconnaissance Helicopter (ATAK) Program were signed in April 2007 and became effective in June 2008. At the time, the contract for the first 50 helicopters was valued at about 1.2 billion euros.
The ATAK Program was initiated to meet the Turkish Land Forces Command’s requirement for 50 firm and 41 optional Attack/Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopters, equipped with high-tech avionics hardware and software to be developed by Turkey.
TAI is the Prime Contractor of the ATAK Program, with ASELSAN and AgustaWestland as subcontractors. The helicopters will be manufactured at Turkey’s Center of Aerospace, TAI. The high performance new engine, Automatic Flight Control System and Air Vehicle Monitoring System will be integrated by AgustaWestland, one of the global leaders in rotorcraft industry.
The planned duration of the ATAK Program is 114 months from June 2008, and the first T129 ATAK Helicopter will be delivered in the 60th month.
The Collaboration Agreement also provides TAI with the right to sell and market the T129 ATAK Helicopter worldwide, except in Italy and the UK.)
defense-aerospace.com, LINK
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posted by Public Enemy
5:25 PM
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Friday, September 18, 2009
TURKEY - Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Guided Missiles
 WASHINGTON --- Today the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Turkey of 13 Patriot Fire Units, 72 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missiles, four PAC-3 Lot Validation Missiles, 197 MIM-104E Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles-T (GEM-T), four MIM-104E GEM-T Lot Validation Missiles, five Patriot Digital Missiles, five Anti-Tactical Missiles and other related support and equipment.
The estimated cost is $7.8 billion.
In addition, the potential sale includes eight AN/USQ-140(V)(2)(c) (RT-1785) or AN/USQ-140(V)(11)(c) Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems/Low Volume Terminals (MIDS/LVT-2), 13 AN/MPQ-65 Radar Sets, four Tactical Command Systems, 13 Battery Command Posts, six Communication Relay Groups, 13 Engagement Control Stations, 48 M902 Launching Stations, 52 Antenna Mast Groups, 13 Electronic Power Plant III (EPP), 100 THALES 9310C Very High Frequency (VHF) Voice Radios, 150 THALES 9310C VHF Data Radios, containers, battery and battalion maintenance equipment, prime movers, generators, electrical power units, personnel training and training equipment, trailers, communication equipment, tool and test sets, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.
Turkey is a partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability that will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.
Turkey will use the PAC-3 missiles to improve its missile defense capability, strengthen its homeland defense, and deter regional threats. Turkey has not previously purchased PAC-3 missiles, but will be able to absorb and effectively utilize these missiles.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be Raytheon Corporation in Andover, Mass., and Lockheed-Martin in Dallas, TX. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 26 contractor representatives in Turkey for training for a period of 24 months and major item repair for approximately 12 months. Several U.S. Government representatives will participate in program management and technical reviews in Turkey for two-week intervals twice annually.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
defense-aerospace.com, LINKLabels: Missile |
posted by Public Enemy
4:48 PM
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Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Astrium Delivers First Set of Satcom Equipments to Aselsan for Turkish Navy's MILGEM Programme
 ANKARA --- Astrium Services’ Secure Satcom Systems division has delivered the first set of satcom equipments to Aselsan for the first of class MILGEM, the prestigious Turkish National corvette programme.
The Astrium delivery comprises a set of equipments based on Astrium’s Mini-SCOT naval terminal. Aselsan, as the prime contractor for the MILGEM satcom suite, are responsible for system design and software development of the terminal and the control station, assembly, integration and test of the terminals as well as the installation, acceptance and test on board and system delivery.
Aselsan and Astrium have previously supplied 16 sets of GEMI shipborne terminals, for the Meko and Perry Class ships, under the Turkish Military Satellite Communications System (TMSCS) project.
MILGEM and TMSCS
TMSCS, in conjunction with the Turkish Armed Forces Integrated Communications System (TAFICS) provides the military satcom ground infrastructure, enabling a fully integrated tri-services communications network. MILGEM will gain access to this infrastructure with the provision of full communication services including voice, data and imagery transmission.
The Turkish Navy currently has the additional benefit, within TMSCS, of a separate three-channel direct satellite communications fixed ground terminal known as SABIT, used for direct communication with ships. Aselsan, as the prime contractor and Astrium, as the sub-contractor were favoured by Savunma Sanayii Müsteşarliği (SSM) with a further order in 2008 to supply a second SABIT terminal, with enhanced features including a 5 channel capability and installation in an EMP protected building. Delivery of the SABIT equipment to Aselsan by Astrium is scheduled for 2009.
Technology transfer
During the implementation phase of the TMSCS system, Astrium provided significant technology transfer to Aselsan covering sub-systems manufacture, system design, integration and operation, and continues to support the long term military and industrial ambitions of Turkey.
Astrium employs Turkish software and support skills
Astrium entered in to a joint venture company in Ankara, Communications Space Technology, which is providing local software and technical support skills for the TMSCS and MILGEM programmes. The JV team has undertaken key software tasks, particularly for network management systems which are utilised in other Astrium programmes in the international arena.
Astrium Services offers a complete range of satellite communications solutions for both government and commercial markets.
Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2008, Astrium had a turnover of EUR 4.3 billion and more than 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, EADS generated revenues of EUR 43.3 billion and employed a workforce of more than 118, 000.
defense-aerospace.com, LINK |
posted by Public Enemy
5:15 PM
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Indonesia and Turkey to work together on anti-submarine warfare aircraft
Indonesian aviation specialist PT Dirgantara has formed a partnership with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) to develop a prototype of an anti-submarine warfare version of the CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft, a Dirgantara official told Jane's on 16 July. "We signed a deal with TAI that allowed our engineers to stay in Turkey to prepare the prototype," said the official
source : Jane's |
posted by Public Enemy
6:08 PM
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Goodrich Signs Long-Term Agreement with Alp Aviation for F-35 Lightning II Work
CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- Goodrich Corporation signed a long-term agreement with Turkey’s Alp Aviation for F-35 Lightning II landing gear components and assemblies. The agreement covers deliveries through December 31, 2015.
Under the agreement, Alp Aviation will supply machined components ranging from aluminum parts to high strength steel components and assemblies that incorporate some of the latest landing gear processing technology. These components will be delivered to Goodrich Landing Gear’s final assembly facility in Cleveland, Ohio. Goodrich is the exclusive system integrator and supplier of landing gear for all variants of the F-35.
Mike Brand, president of Goodrich Landing Gear, said, “This agreement is a significant milestone in our excellent relationship with Alp Aviation that began in 2006. Their capability with the latest technologies along with their culture of teamwork meets our requirement to find best value supplier solutions for complex landing gear components.”
Goodrich supplies a number of critical systems for the F-35 including the air data system, weapons bay door drive system, landing gear, fuel quantity and engine sensors, and actuation systems. Production takes place at Goodrich facilities in F-35 partner nations Australia, Canada, the UK and U.S.
Goodrich Corporation is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities.
Defense-aerospace.com, LINK |
posted by Public Enemy
3:28 PM
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Saturday, July 18, 2009
Finmeccanica and Thales jointly to build the Turkish Göktürk satellite system
Rome | Telespazio (Finmeccanica/Thales) and the Turkish Defence Ministry sign contract to build the Göktürk satellite system
Telespazio, a company owned by Finmeccanica (67%) and Thales (33%), and Undersecretariat For Defence Industries (SSM - Turkish Defence Ministry), at the presence of the Italian Undersecretary of State for Defence hon. Giuseppe Cossiga, today signed a contract in Ankara worth over EUR 250 million for the construction of the Göktürk satellite system.
The agreement covers the supply of an earth observation satellite equipped with a high-resolution optical sensor, an integration and test centre for satellites to be built in Turkey, and the entire ground segment of the system, which will carry out in-orbit operation, data acquisition and processing.
The Göktürk programme will be managed by Telespazio as prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space, a company owned by Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%), which will be responsible for the satellite, and local industrial partners including Tai A.S., Tubitak Uekae, Maleri, Aselsan A.S. and Roketsan A.S.. Telespazio will also be responsible for the satellite launch, early orbit and test services.
Giorgio Zappa, Chief Operating Officer of Finmeccanica and President of the Italy-Turkey Friendship Union commented, “signing this contract for the construction of Göktürk represents another step for Telespazio and for the Space Alliance Thales-Finmeccanica in the international expansion of their business, and recognition of Finmeccanica’s capacity to supply both the space and ground components of complex satellite systems.
This success also strengthens the group’s position in Turkey, a strategic industrial partner and a core market for our activities: we are already present in the country in aeronautics, helicopters, air traffic control, transport, rail signalling and naval systems and have further significant growth prospects”.
The Turkish industry will be involved at the system design and development phase and in supplying some sub-systems. In particular, local partners will assist in the building of the data acquisition station, the satellite integration centre, mission planning systems and remotely-sensed data processors. As part of the project, a joint venture will be created between Telespazio and a local partner to develop and market application services.
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posted by Public Enemy
12:39 AM
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Pratt & Whitney and Kale Aero Sign Agreement for Joint Venture Partnership
PARIS AIR SHOW -- Pratt & Whitney and Kale Havacilik San, A.S., (Kale Aero) of Istanbul, Turkey, signed a memorandum of understanding today at the Paris Air Show with the intent to develop a joint venture partnership to produce aircraft engine components. Under the proposed joint venture, Kale will own 51 percent and Pratt & Whitney will own 49 percent of the joint venture company located in Istanbul. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. company.
"We look forward to the new venture and working with our partners in Turkey," said Tom Farmer, president, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. "Turkey is an important customer for Pratt & Whitney and we value the industrial capabilities and expertise of the Turkish aerospace industry. This partnership will establish a world-class manufacturing capability to produce military and commercial aircraft engine components for our customers around the world."
The joint venture will specialize in manufacturing hardware for the F135 engine powering the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. In the future, the partnership will expand to support highly complex metal fabrications and spare parts for Pratt & Whitney military fighter engine models F100 and F119, and military transport engine model F117.
"We are happy and proud to embark on this road together with the world's leading aero engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney," said Osman Okyay, president, Technical & Chemical Division, Kale Group Companies. "Kale Aero is placing top priority on the F-35 program. We were the first qualified supplier from Turkey selected for this project, the largest defense industry project ever, and we pride ourselves for being the only Turkish company with parts on the first flying F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Kale Aero has also undertaken the task of manufacturing parts for the F135 engine, and our excitement is further enhanced by the fact that through this joint venture partnership, we will greatly expand our contribution to this great engine."
Kale Aero is part of a large and a diversified industrial conglomerate of Turkey, Kale Group. The group embracing over fifty years of experience in building materials is also active in robotics, energy, defense and aerospace. Kale has been a reliable supplier in various national and multi-national defense and aerospace projects since 1989.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.
Source : defense-aerospace.com, LINK |
posted by Public Enemy
3:40 PM
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Iraqi Turkmen Front
Armenian Revolt-1