Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 12
Trend: Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Abdullah Gul have today viewed the Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc.
They first watched the flying performances of the "Hurkush" basic trainer aircraft and the "T129" attack helicopter from the control tower.
The Head of State was informed that Turkish Aircraft Industries Corporation (TUSAS) was established in 1973 under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Technology in order to reduce the foreign dependency in defense industry in Turkey.
With the decision of meeting the combat aircraft requirement of Turkish Air Force (TurAF) with F-16s, TUSAS Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) was established by Turkish and US partners in 1984 for a period of 25 years with the aim of carrying out the manufacture, system integration and flight tests of F-16 that would be delivered to the TurAF.
TAI was restructured in 2005, just before the 25 years of period came to an end, with the acquisition of foreign shares by Turkish shareholders. Along with this restructuring, the TAI and the TUSAS have merged under the roof of the TAI and have broadened its activities. Today, known as TAI it has become Turkey's center of technology in design, development, modernization, manufacturing, integration and life cycle support of integrated aerospace systems, from fixed and rotary wing air platforms to UAVs and satellites.
TAI is ranked among the top hundred global players in aerospace and defence arena.
President Ilham Aliyev reviewed technical parameters of the "Hurkush" basic trainer aircraft which was recently remodeled.
The Head of State also was informed on the technical parameters of the "T129" attack helicopter.
The facilities cover an area of 274,000 square meters under roof while the TAI totally occupies an area of 5 million square meters.
The Company has a modern aircraft facility furnished with high technology machinery and equipment that provide extensive manufacturing capabilities ranging from parts manufacturing to aircraft assembly, flight tests and delivery.
The Head of State was informed on the "ANKA" unmanned aircraft.
