orko, can you tell me more about the Simsek program? I’ve read bits and pieces about it, but information is a bit difficult to come by…at least on the scale that I’m interested in.
What are the TuAF’s goals for the project? I understand it’s not as extensive as the Terminator program, and I assume the aircraft still have an air-to-air mission so are the compatible with all variants of AIM-7 and AIM-9 in the TuAF inventory? Any enhancements to the radar?
Just curious what to make of this “new” Phantom variant.
Also, what were the goals for the RF-4E program? It’s interesting to see them getting an update in an era where UAV’s seem to be taking over manned recce aircraft any place you look. I’m glad the TuAF is still going to be using them (as long as they are safe for the crews anyway), so I’m just curious what all new capabilities they will provide for the TuAF.
TurAF currently has 6 F-4E squadrons: 111 and 171 with F-4E 2020, 112 with F-4E, 132, a composite weapons and tactics squadron with F-16 Block 40, F-4E and F-4E 2020s, and two reconnaissance squadrons: 113 and 173 with RF-4Es.
After the completion of the Terminator project in 2003, a follow-on project for the upgrade of the other two frontline F-4E squadrons, 112 and 172 under Terminator II program. This program had more a-a emphasis, since the 112 and 172 were tasked with air defence (as a general rule in TurAF, squadrons with “1” as last digit has a-g, “2” are a-a missions; 161 an air defence / interception squadron, 162 a strike / interdiction one, and so on – with some exceptions)
Terminator II project did not materialize because of high price tag offered by IAI; EF-2000 offer was rejected because of economic, technical and political reasons. F-15A/C grant / FMS was not realized either after Turkey’s rejection of support for US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
So Turkey chose to go on its own by the experience and infrastructure gained from the Terminator project. The aim of the Simsek (Lightning) project is to keep the F-4Es of the 112 squadron (while 172 was temporarily disbanded until F-35s arrive) for a few years more.
The program was started in February 2006 and covers structural and avionics upgrade of a total 16 F-4Es. Structural modifications extend the service life until 2014 – 2016, while avionics enhancements include integration of CDU-900Z control display units, MXF-484 radios, LN-100GT INS/GPS navigation system, Cockpit Television Video System (CTVS), AVTR and IFF Mode 4. The upgraded aircraft are designated as F-4ETM Simsek.
Isik (Light) project on the other hand, is more comprehensive. Current operational RF-4Es of TurAF are relatively new, since they were received from Germany in early 1990s after extensive upgrade for Turkey’s support in the 1991 Gulf War.
This project consists of two phases: Structural and avionics upgrade of 18 RF-4Es and procurement of advanced reconnaissance pods under Turkish Aerial Reconnaissance Program (TARP). Upgrade phase includes structural strenghtening of aircraft and integration of LN-100GT INS/GPS navigation system, CDU-900Z, AN/ALQ-178 RWR and advanced communications systems, produced by ASELSAN.
The TARP programme covers the procurement of Elbit Condor II Long Range Oblique Photography (LOROP) and Elta EL/M-2060P SAR/GMTI pods plus ground stations and real time data link systems.
Isik Phantoms are designated as RF-4ETM; the ones receiving TARP are designated as RF-4ETMG.
Sign In
