Aviation

5 things to know about Turkey’s brand-new 5th generation fighter jet ‘KAAN’

After China, the United States, and Russia, Turkey is now the fourth nation in the world to own its own indigenously constructed fifth-generation fighter aircraft. It has now demonstrated the ability to construct sophisticated aircraft on its own.

Turkish fifth-generation fighters to replace F16s.

Next-generation air superiority fighter being developed by Turkey is the Turkish 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft (TF-X). The Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) launched the program in 2016 with the goal of developing a homegrown fighter to replace the Turkish Air Force’s deteriorating F-16 fleet. The project’s goal is to create a locally made fighter jet to replace Turkey’s ailing F-16 fleet, which was built in the United States and has been in use since the 1980s.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and BAE Systems, a British multinational defense business, are working together to build the TF-X. The aircraft is anticipated to include cutting-edge sensor and weapon systems, superior avionics, and stealth capabilities. Additionally, it is anticipated to have a range of more than 2,000 km and a top speed of Mach 2.

2. This aircraft’s powerplant is a Rolls-Royce EJ200 engine

Due to geopolitical concerns, GE initially expressed no interest in developing an engine for the Turkish 5th-generation fighter. Further, Rolls-Royce proposed technology transfer for the EJ200 engine and joint development of a derivative for the TF-X program after the BAE System agreed to the development of an aircraft. Even Russian Unite aircraft companies have expressed interest in producing engines for this craft. Turkey, however, continues to use Rolls Royce from the UK.

With the production of this aircraft, Turkey joins a select group of nations that have the facilities and know-how to build fifth-generation combat aircraft. The twin engines of the 21-meter jet, each of which is capable of producing 29,000 pounds (13,000 kilograms) of thrust, enable the aircraft to travel at a top speed of 1.8 Mach.

3. It has featured with latest avionics configurations.

A number of cutting-edge technologies are anticipated to be incorporated into the TF-X, including a next-generation active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system, sophisticated communications systems, and superior electronic warfare capabilities. Advanced stealth characteristics for the aircraft are also anticipated, including as radar-absorbing materials and cutting-edge coatings to lower its radar cross-section.

4. The maximum flight speed of the KAAN fighter jet is 2716 km/hr.

The single- and double-seat KAAN fighter jet is 21 meters long, has a 14-meter wingspan, and is 6 meters tall. This aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight is approximately 27,215 kg, and its two GE F110 engines have a combined thrust capacity of 76.31 kilonewtons and an afterburner thrust capacity of 131 kilonewtons. The aircraft’s top speed is 2,716 km/h, and its combat range is up to 1,100 km.

5. Can carry a variety of advanced weapons.

It is capable of carrying a range of armaments in the internal bay area, including air-to-air missiles made in Turkey, such as the Goktug, MBDA, and other BVR missiles, and air-to-surface missiles, such as the SOM cruise, Kuzgun family of missiles, Turbojet, Solid fuel rocket, and MBDA Spear 3.

It is also capable of transporting several bombs, including the Teber 81, HGK, KGK, and SARB weaponry.

This aircraft would be an excellent value for possible customers from Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Asian nations since it will serve as a substitute for the US-built F35 and Russian Sukoi 57 aircraft. If they concentrate on mass-producing aircraft in Turkey and have stronger control over engine manufacture independent of other industries, the cost will be decreased.

Aviation

Boeing to Slash 17,000 Jobs Worldwide Amid Ongoing Factory Strike

Boeing to Slash 17,000 Jobs Amid Ongoing Factory Strike

Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers, is facing a severe crisis. The company announced on Friday that it will lay off 17,000 employees—roughly 10% of its workforce.

This decision comes amid a prolonged strike, production delays, and ongoing safety concerns with its aircraft. Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s CEO since August, delivered the news, stating, “Our business is in a difficult position, and it is hard to overstate the challenges we face together.

Beyond navigating our current environment, restoring our company requires tough decisions, and we will have to make structural changes to ensure we can stay competitive and deliver for our customers over the long term.”

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Boeing has been struggling financially, with the last reported profit in 2018. The company’s largest union, with 33,000 members, has been on strike for nearly a month after rejecting a labor deal. The ongoing walkout is reportedly costing Boeing around a billion dollars each month as negotiations remain at a standstill.

Compounding these issues, Boeing’s much-anticipated boeing 777x wide-body plane is now six years behind schedule, with deliveries postponed until 2026. This follows the discovery of structural damage during flight tests. Boeing also announced it will stop manufacturing its commercial 767 freighters after fulfilling its remaining orders by 2027.

Financially, the company expects to report a significant third-quarter loss—nearly $10 per share—and a total cash outflow of $1.3 billion. boeing new aircraft commercial airplane unit faces a $3 billion pretax charge, while its defense business will absorb an additional $2 billion hit.

Embraer’s E-Freighter is Certified by the FAA

The strike has severely impacted production at key boeing facilities, particularly in Seattle, where half of the company’s nearly 150,000 employees work. Since 2019, Boeing has lost approximately $25 billion.

Ortberg was brought in over the summer to help the company regain public trust following safety concerns, especially surrounding the 737 Max line, which was involved in two deadly crashes. Earlier this year, a separate incident involving a panel popping off a 737 Max mid-flight reignited concerns. A Federal Aviation Administration investigation following the event found that Boeing had failed 33 out of 89 product audits.