TAI TFX
| TAI TFX | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| One of the three concept designs | |
| Role | Air superiority fighter stealth |
| National origin | Turkey |
| Manufacturer | Turkish Aerospace Industries |
| Design group | Turkish Aerospace Industries / BAE Systems |
| Introduction | 2023 (expected) |
| Status | Preliminary Design Studies |
| Number built | 250+ (planned) |
| Program cost | US$25 billion |
| Unit cost |
US$100-110 million
|
The TAI TFX is a twin-engine all-weather fifth-generation Turkish aerial superiority fighter jet being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) with technological assistance from BAE Systems of the United Kingdom. The aircraft is slated to replace the Turkish Air Force's F-16s and is being planned to be offered to foreign air forces as well. The project is one of many ongoing high-profile military projects in Turkey.
During Theresa May's visit to Turkey in January 2017, BAE and TAI officials signed an agreement, worth about £100 million, for BAE to provide assistance in developing the aircraft.
On 15 December 2010, Turkey's Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSIK) decided to design, develop, and manufacture an indigenous next generation air-to-air combat fighter which would replace Turkey's F-16 fleet and work together with the F-35. Funding equivalent to US$20 million was allocated for a 2-year conceptual design phase that will be performed by TAI. TAI officials have stated that the conceptual design phase should be complete in late 2013, with a report being prepared and served to the Prime Minister for approval of the development phase budget and framework.
TAI and TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI) will lead the design, entry and development processes of the fighter jet. TEI will focus more on the production of the aircraft's engines, while TAI will develop the airframe and other components. The studies will reveal how much the fighter jet would cost, which mechanical and electronic systems would be employed and included, and a wider perspective of the opportunities and challenges in military aviation.
In December 2015, Turkey’s Undersecretariat of Defence Industries (SSM) announced that it had chosen BAE Systems of the United Kingdom to assist with the design of the nation’s next-generation Air superiority fighter. The same day Rolls-Royce offered Turkey EJ200 technology transfer and joint-development of a derivative for the TFX program.
The Turkish Air Force intends to procure at least 250 TFX starting from 2025 and integrate them in a network-centric Air Force structure consisting of F-35, F-16 Block 50+, Future Unmanned Combat Aircraft, Airborne Stand-Off Jammers and the Boeing 737 AEW&C Peace Eagle. Turkey plans to introduce the TFX by 2025, having it and the F-35A comprising a dual fighter jet fleet. The TFX is to compensate for some of the F-35's weaknesses in air-to-air combat. Permission to officially start the first phase of development is expected by the end of 2014.
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Wikipedia