Some developments regarding new generation fighter aircraft procurements of TuAF:

1. JSF: Procurement of 100 JSF F-35 is decided.

2. F-16 Block 50+ Peace Onyx IV: Procurement is officially decided. Some industrial issues such as licensed or parts production, integration of indigenous AselPod targeting and navigation pod and ASELSAN stand off weapon system as well as modification in OFP software are being negotiated.

3. Procurement of EF-2000: Mr Gonul said that Turkey’s entrance to EADS for EF-2000 partnership has been continuously blocked by South Cyprus government and both sides (Eurofighter consortium and Turkey) could not find a proper solution. He has not stated whether EF-2000 option has been fully left over or not, but some sources say that TuAF seriously stated requirement for the aircraft, with a proper solution on industrial participation.

Here is what I got, updates and/or corrections are most welcome:

S41 Santa Cruz:
Keel laid: 06.12.1980
Launched: 28.09.1982
Commissioned: 18.10.1984

S42 San Juan:
Keel laid: 18.03.1982
Launched: 20.06.1983
Commissioned: 19.11.1985

Both boats were built at Thyssen Nordseewerke, Emden. Contract for two boats were signed 30.11.1977. According to my understanding there was an option for four more. Construction of S43 and S44 were stopped in 1996 and both submarines were used for spare parts.

Dimensions (m): 66.00 x 7.30 x 6.50
Displacement (t; surfaced/submerged): 2,116/2,264

Machinery: 4 x MTU 16V diesels (6,720hp), 4 x alternators; 2 x Siemens 1HR4525 elektric motors (8,850hp); 1 shaft

Speed (knots; surfaced/submerged): 15/26

Range (nm): 12,000 (surfaced w/ 8kt); 460 (submerged, w/ 6kt)

Maximum operational depth (m): 270

Torpedoes: 22 AEG SST-4; Honeywell Mk37 (6 x 533mm tubes); 34 x mines en lieu of torpedoes

Radar: Thales Calypso IV (I band)

Sonar: Atlas Elektronik CSU 3-4 (active/passive; search/attack; MF); Thales DUUX 5 (passive ranging sonar)

ESM: Sea Sentry III

Command & Control: Signaal (now Thales) SINBADS

Crew: 29 (5 officers)

Yes, the stuff on that site is all clearly spoof (lots of references to April 1st and suchlike) but I’m sure there was a real proposal once for underwing personnel pods for the Harrier. Not sure, but I think they also suggested it could carry low volume priority cargo. Might seem a bit far-fetched, but unlike the “Harrier HAR.12” I think it was a genuine proposal. Just wondered how far they got with it.

Indeed it’s a genuine proposal. But here comes another issue: As far as I know, vertical take off of Harrier consumes a lot of (more than a lot of) fuel, especially when carrying full fuel and weapons load. In SAR/CSAR circumstances evasive maneouvers, circlingg to find the evacuee, vertical landng/take off would consume a lot of fuel. That would mean less or no weapon carrying for self protectin, i.e extra escort aircrafts.

Still a real interesting concept to think about anyway..

The cammo scheme and shape & color of the number plate resembles the patttern applied to Turkish vehicles.

The system might be COBRA counter battery radar maybe?

Greece has decided not to take a decision for a new generation fighter aircraft before 2009 – 2010, if I’m not mistaken.

Once upon a time I had some drawings of a single seat cheap, lightweight fighter-attack aircraft based on Czech Aero L-59. Will post when I find them, I even managed to build a good looking 3D model of it..

In Turkey we sometimes discuss the feasibility of converting a CN-235 into a “mini AC-130 look-a-like” version.

Although not exactly a modification, an attack helicopter based on the engine+transmission of Sikorsky S-70 would be a good idea (like the relationship between Puma and Rooivalk or Huey and Huey Cobra).

Bummer that the second batch of F-4E’s won’t be upgraded….

I was hoping to see that go through…….

48 F-4E’s will see limited structural upgrade in Eskisehir.

The decision for the Future Combat Aircraft will be taken by the end of the year. Rumors say the possibility of a first batch of 40 EF-2000 is high as well as anumber of JSF order, but I doubt that.

The decision is to be announced after the Defence Industry Executive Committee meeting on October 14th. Insider sources say Rooivalk is the most favorite candidate.

In the first contest, AH-1Z was the most favored option by the user, i.e Turkish Army Aviation. But in terms of defence industry in general and technology transfer issues in focus, Ka-50-2 Erdogan offered more opportunities. The rest is well known. A maelstorm lasting 10 years (the project had started at the end of 1996), urgent requirement being more urgent day by day.

By the way the indigenous mission computer and new generation FLIR (AselFLIR-300T namely) which will be used on the new attack helicopter have been testing on an AH-1P test bed aircraft for some time. Integration of Israeli made Spike anti-tank is complete and in-flight test fires were commenced at the end of August.