Turkey’s long-awaited defense project, the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) KAAN, successfully completed its first flight today. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and produced with local capabilities, KAAN took to the skies for its inaugural flight test in Ankara this morning.
KAAN successfully completed its first flight!
The National Combat Aircraft KAAN, designed as a 5th generation fighter jet with advanced technologies, stands out with its low radar signature, high maneuverability, and advanced weapon systems. Therefore, it is expected to significantly enhance not only Turkey’s offensive capabilities but also its air defense capabilities. So, what does this aircraft promise in reality?
Inaugurating a new chapter in Turkey’s aviation and defense industry history, the National Combat Aircraft KAAN / TF-X has a length of 21 meters, a wingspan of 14 meters, and a height of 6 meters. Initially, it will be equipped with 2x 29,000 or 2x 32,500 lb thrust F110 engines. This powerful thrust provides the aircraft with a service ceiling above 55,000 feet and a maximum speed of up to 1.8 Mach.
KAAN offers impressive G limits such as +9g / -3.5g. Its avionics, developed by ASELSAN, include indigenous AESA radar integrated RF system (BÜRFİS), SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) system, IRST (Infrared Search and Track) sensor, EOTS (Electro-Optical Targeting System), and helmet-mounted sight systems, enabling KAAN to detect and track targets with high precision.
With features like supersonic cruise capability, long operational radius, low radar visibility, sensor fusion, advanced data link capabilities, and the ability to deploy high-precision munitions, KAAN will be the most advanced combat aircraft in the Turkish Air Force inventory.
Its high maneuverability and powerful thrust system will enable it to establish superiority against enemy targets, making a significant contribution to Turkey’s air defense capabilities. These advanced technological features position KAAN as a competitive combat aircraft on the global stage.
National Combat Aircraft KAAN / TF-X Specifications:
Length: 21 m
Wingspan: 14 m
Height: 6 m
Thrust: 2x 29,000 or 2x 32,500 lb (2x F110)
Service ceiling: 55,000+ ft
Maximum speed: 1.8 Mach
G limits: +9g / -3.5g
Avionics: ASELSAN’s indigenous AESA radar integrated RF system (BÜRFİS), SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) system, IRST (Infrared Search and Track) sensor, EOTS (Electro-Optical Targeting System), Helmet-mounted sight system
Others: High maneuverability and powerful thrust system
Supersonic cruise capability
Long operational radius Low radar visibility
Sensor fusion
Advanced data link capabilities
Ability to deploy high-precision munitions
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