Turkey’s Historic Nu.D-36 Aircraft Takes Flight Again
In a landmark achievement for Turkish aviation history, the Nu.D-36 training aircraft, originally designed by Nuri Demirağ in 1936, has returned to the skies following a successful test flight in Sivrihisar, Eskişehir. Led by the Sivrihisar Aviation Association as part of their Cultural Aviation Projects, the project successfully produced an airworthy replica of the historic plane. The ambitious effort was spearheaded by aerobatic pilot Ali İsmet Öztürk and a dedicated 11-member technical team, who spent eight months meticulously reconstructing the aircraft based on archival photographs and limited technical specifications to preserve the legacy of Turkey’s pioneering aviation efforts.
- The Sivrihisar Aviation Association successfully completed the construction of an airworthy Nu.D-36 replica after eight months of intensive engineering work.
- The project utilized historical design data and modern safety standards to ensure the aircraft remains viable for contemporary flight conditions.
- The Nu.D-36 is scheduled to be officially added to the inventory of the M.S.Ö. Air and Space Museum on August 29.
Technical Teams Reconstruct the Legacy of Nuri Demirağ
The reconstruction process presented unique challenges for the Mach Technical team. Because original components from the 1930s are no longer available, the team had to adapt the design to meet modern aviation safety requirements. While the internal structure honors the original vision of engineer Selahattin Reşit Alan, the team opted for an R670 series engine from the 1940s to ensure reliable performance. {{WP_IMAGE_1}}
Pilot Ali İsmet Öztürk, who conducted the maiden test flight, expressed immense satisfaction with the aircraft’s handling characteristics. He described the Nu.D-36 as surprisingly agile and remarkably stable during flight. Although he acknowledged that a 100 percent perfect replica is nearly impossible due to the lack of period-specific materials, he estimated that the current iteration achieves an 80 percent similarity to the original design, prioritizing safety without compromising the historical spirit of the aircraft.
The successful flight of the Nu.D-36 marks a significant milestone in reclaiming the lost chapters of Turkish industrial history.
The Historical Significance of the Nu.D-36 Remains Profound
Often referred to as the “Alan 2” because it was the second aircraft designed by Selahattin Reşit Alan, the Nu.D-36 holds a special place in the nation’s technological development. Nuri Demirağ, a visionary entrepreneur, used this aircraft as a stepping stone for his later, more advanced projects. By 1938, Demirağ had successfully produced the twin-engine Nu.D-38 passenger plane, which achieved global “A-class” standards in civil aviation at the time. {{WP_IMAGE_2}}
Future Generations Will Witness This Aviation Milestone
The revival of the Nu.D-36 is not merely a technical exercise but a tribute to the foundations of the Turkish defense and civil aviation industry. By bridging the gap between the 1930s and modern engineering, the project ensures that the spirit of early Turkish innovators continues to inspire future generations. The aircraft will soon be available for public viewing, standing as a testament to the country’s early pursuit of domestic aircraft production.
What do you think about the importance of preserving historical aviation assets for future generations? We look forward to reading your thoughts on this revival of Turkish aviation heritage in the comments section below.
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