Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



TAI has taken a significant role in the production of Air-To-Ground Pylon, Center Fuselage and Composite Components of JSF F35 aircraft. Could you please inform us about the progress of your activities within this context?



TAI is one of the very important major suppliers in the JSF/F-35 aircraft program and has successfully delivered first Composites Components in December 2008, first Sub-Assemblies of Center Fuselage in January 2009 within the scope of its work share and the first Air-To-Ground Pylons have been planned to be delivered soon.



Our components, produced utilizing advanced technologies, are now being installed on first production jets. Therefore, TAI has proven its expertise in the international arena once again that it can produce advanced components required by high technology platforms such as JSF/F-35 aircraft.



As a member of the JSF/F-35 global industry team, TAI will keep producing composite components for every jet made during the production phase of the program. Deliveries of complete TAI-Produced Center Fuselages are planned to begin during the low rate initial production phase of the program.



We will continue all our efforts in order to meet and support the requirements of the program and our activities will continue until 2030s. Our sales in JSF/F-35 program is estimated to be a minimum of 4 Billion USD.











Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



Could you please inform us about the steps taken regarding ATAK projects since the ceremony held in June, 2008? Moreover, we would be appreciated if you could give some information about the international marketing criteria of T129 helicopters and about the subcontractors who will take place in the project.



The ATAK program officially kicked off in July 2008 under the prime contractorship of TAI. We are working in unison with our subcontractors AgustaWestland and ASELSAN to successfully fulfill the objectives and schedule of our contract. The first stage of the ATAK Program is the requirements definition phase, where extensive activities have been conducted to analyze the requirements of the procurement agency (SSM) and the end user (Turkish Land Forces Command). As a result of these activities and the requirements inherent in the contract, design activities are being performed to fulfill these requirements. The first test flight of the first prototype is planned for the end of this year.

In parallel, we are working closely with AgustaWestland to market the T-129 ATAK Helicopter in the International Market. I am happy to state that there is widespread international interest in our product. We plan to deliver the first T-129 ATAK helicopter in the middle of 2013.





Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



Could you please enlighten us about the activities of the A400M? Do you think the technological experience TAI has gained will bring new international projects?

Under the A400M program, in which TAI is representing Turkey as the “National Industry Institution”, a total of 10 A400M aircraft will be procured for the Turkish Air Force Command. To compensate for these 10 A400M aircraft, TAI undertakes the structural and systems level design and manufacturing responsibility on certain work packages.

As a partner of Airbus Military S.L., TAI has been participating in the design and development activities of the A400M aircraft with the leading European aerospace companies namely; Airbus (France, Germany, Spain and UK), EADS CASA (Spain) and FLABEL (Belgium) from the beginning of the program.

With this program, TAI shifts to “build-to design” method from “build-to-print.” Being a partner of Airbus Military S.L. (AMSL), our Company will not only own design rights, but also become a partner of Design Organization Approval (JAR-21 PART JA) under AMSL since AMSL has design rights, in general, and type certificate (JAR-25). These approvals will make TAI a company, that has control over all the processes including design, test, certification and delivery.

Taking place as a risk sharing partner in the program, TAI will manufacture the parts under its responsibility in each new aircraft order. The parts, which are under the responsibility (design & production) of TAI are; forward center fuselage, rear fuselage upper shell, parachute doors, emergency exit doors, tail cone, lightning and water/waste systems and aileron and spoiler.

In addition to structural components, TAI is Level 1 responsible of the lighting and water/waste systems of the A400M program. Furthermore, the fuselage harness fitting of the A400M is also manufactured by TAI engineers.

TAI’s “built to design” experience on A400M Program enabled TAI to receive new projects from Airbus as “risk sharing partner” status. For example TAI was contracted by Airbus for A350 ailerons design and manufacturing responsibility through a tough competition with other European industries. TAI is also bidding for a similar partnership with aircraft manufacturing companies like Bombardier of Canada and Embrair of Brasil for their newly developing aircraft.



Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



The Indigenous Turkish Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Development Program is another important issue to be considered. We would appreciate if you could inform us about the current developments with regard to this project.



As you may recall, the development contract for an indigenous medium altitude long endurance (MALE) class Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system became effective in 2005. The scope of the program calls for three prototypes and ground systems to be designed, developed, manufactured and flight tested by mid 2011. Subsequently the serial production contract is expected to be launched.

Presently, TAI is extensively engaged in the design and development activities as well as system engineering and program management functions. With the system integration and performance responsibility, the program gained considerable acceleration as we are approaching to the Critical Design Review Meeting with our customer. As Prime Contractor, TAI is committed to provide a versatile, low risk and low cost MALE class UAV system to meet a series of reconnaissance and surveillance needs of the Turkish Armed Forces.

As generic to many UAV systems in the world, The T?HA system will consist of air vehicles, ground control station, ground data terminal, automatic take-off and landing system, remote video terminal, transportable image exploitation system and the other test and support items. Due to many diverse technical areas of expertise and sub-products, TAI integrated the supports of various local defense related companies whom we call as our business partners rather than sub-contractors.

As the most recent development, a 3.5th scale flying model of T?HA was designed and manufactured in order to achieve maximum performance, consistency, safety and reliability. This scaled UAV named as ‘’Öncü’’ on which ground tests are currently being performed, will be used for verification of T?HA’s aerodynamic design and flight control software. It is planned to be airborne in April 2009.

In summary, there is no doubt that with the maiden flight plans for the first quarter of 2010, the T?HA program is extremely beneficent to our national interests from a number of perspectives.













Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



What is the current situation in TAI’s modernization, modification and systems integration activities regarding F-16 and C-130 modernization programs as well as Black Hawk, Meltem II and III, Peace Eagle programs that are in the inventory of Turkey and countries in the region?



For us, the modernization, modification and systems integration programs are very critical and important set of programs. TAI strongly believes that it is becoming a major contractor for such programs. Succeeded to keep its core capability alive, TAI is a worldwide known company on F-16 upgrade programs. It is this competency that makes Pakistan and Jordan select us for their front line fighter upgrades. TAI is also known for its modification performance on special mission aircraft upgrades such as AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control), MPA/MSA (Maritime Patrol/Maritime Surveillance). Even though special mission command and control systems for such platforms are not our responsibility, to integrate those into the flying platform is an area of our expertise. But TAI is becoming a major integrator when cockpit system, mission computer integration and related modifications are required. Sikorsky Blackhawk, C-130 Hercules and T-38 avionics modernization programs are such programs, where TAI assumes prime contractor and system integration responsibilities. For those programs all system deliveries also include Integrated Logistics Support services to let customers utilize the new system with transition crew training, technical documentation and life-time logistic support of maintenance and spare parts.



Black Hawk modernization: Within the framework of YARASA AVINT Program, the first helicopter (prototype) has been delivered to TGS on 18 March 2009 following the completion of design, development and flight test period. Under the program, the rest of Black Hawk helicopters are planned to be delivered in three months increments by end of 2009.





Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



In which stage are the activities regarding NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance System (AGS)?



NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance System (AGS) program dates back in early 1990s. In 2004, AGS Steering Committee decided to sign the design and development contract with the TIPS (Trans-Atlantic Industrial Proposed Solution) consortium including Northrop-Grumman, EADS, General Dynamics Canada, Thales, Indra and Galileo Avionica.



The program originally included a mixed fleet of both manned and unmanned aircraft, as well as supporting ground stations. The manned portion would be consisting of five Airbus A321 aircraft equipped with the new TCAR Transatlantic Cooperative AGS Radar. In mid-2007, consequent to the affordability issues, NATO decided not to proceed with the original mixed fleet program and agreed to move forward with a UAV-only solution, based on an off-the-shelf Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk with MP-RTIP (Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program) radars.



TAI participated in the original program as a Turkish Industry Focal Point and had a work share on A321 platform. After new configuration of the Air Segment without manned platforms, since the NATO AGS became a direct procurement program, and far from the initial “industrial participation” approach, we were not able to move forward.





Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



What are TAI’s activities related with space and what is TAI’s approach to space projects? Is it possible to have some information about the Research & Development activities with TÜB?TAK Space?



In accordance with the resolution taken at the Defense Industry Executive Committee meeting in June 2005, TAI is the main local contractor in GÖKTÜRK Program and will be the prime contractor in military satellite projects. Consequently, a National Satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing (AI&T) Facility will be established at TAI.



We have a space roadmap that has been prepared compatible with the Government’s. In addition to satellite system level activities, subsystems R&D activities are also ongoing. Our highly motivated and educated Space Group has been working for design and the manufacture of a national satellite with TÜB?TAK Space. I am proud to say that, in her roadmap TAI is determined to contribute to both civilian and military space capabilities of the country and after a maturity level, TAI will become supplier of design and manufacturing solution partner of major satellite companies in the world.





Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



How do you evaluate the export activities of TAI in 2008? What are your 2009 targets in export business?



The volume of export of TAI, which has reached 185 M$, and will be around 200 M$ in 2009. However, the export will boost after the year 2012 with the sale of our indigenous products to the allied countries. Also, the start of the delivery of JSF/F-35 components, the serial production of A400M components and delivery of the aircraft to the customers, will feed the export capacity in the short-term with 20-25 years life span.



Being the leader of defense and aerospace sector in Turkey, TAI has been faced with important change and growth dynamics leading the Company to the prime role in meeting the Turkish Armed Forces’ modernization requirements with indigenous solutions in addition to the key partner role for increasing business opportunities in the international aerospace market. The development is based on increasing value-add in the programs with intensive engineering and focusing on the critical systems solutions. Indigenous design and development of Basic Trainer Aircraft (HÜRKU?), Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and 2.5 meter resolution Satellite as well as the tailored solutions for the S70 BlackHawk, C130 and T38 platforms are among the examples of such a challenge. Another key project is the Attack/Reconnaissance Helicopter (ATAK) Program, where TAI is the prime contractor.



Additionally, aiming at extending the number and scope of programs, where TAI is the first level integrator having the design responsibility in the commercial aerospace programs, in 2008 and on, we will be increasing our efforts in the levels of aircraft and helicopter manufacturers in USA and Europe. Moreover, in collaboration with the Governmental authorities, we are exploring partnership opportunities in international joint development aerospace programs.





Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



How do you assess TAI’s activities regarding the modernization project of F16 aircraft in the inventory of the Pakistani Air Forces?



As the result of a comprehensive evaluation, of the bidding companies as well as their proposals, made by Pakistan Air Force (PAF), it was officially announced in August 2008 that TAI was selected as the “Successful Installer” company to perform the Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) modernization of the F-16 block 15 aircraft. Shortly after this announcement, the parties have come together and conducted a series of meetings in an effort to frame out the technical work scope, the schedules as well as the responsibilities of the parties. This was followed by the exchange and review of the terms and conditions between TAI and PAF with regard to the contract. In accordance with the current planning, this project will actually commence in year 2011. Accordingly, the current plan is to complete the negotiations and execute a contract by the end of year 2009. As far as the program scope is concerned, this project represents many similarities with the on-going Royal Jordanian Air Force’s (RJAF) F-16 upgrade program. As we are close to complete the RJAF program, we will soon divert our accumulations to the execution of the contract as well as successful commencement of PAF program. It is envisaged that a number of PAF technicians will also participate in the upgrade program that will be performed at TAI’s facilities. We are confident that as in the other completed programs TAI will catch up with due success and for sure our Pakistani brothers will help to increase our strength.





Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



Could you give some information about the activities carried out for the modernization project of the F16 for the Royal Jordan Air Force (RJAF)?



The contract between TAI and The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) was signed in 2005 to upgrade 17 Block-15 F-16’s. The program consisting of Falcon-Up, Falcon-Star and Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) have started in April 2006 with the induction of the first airplane to TAI. I would like to state with pleasure that this program is a solid demonstration of TAI’s dedication to its obligations and customer expectations. Since the commencement of the program, all activities have been performed strictly in accordance with the schedule and quality requirements set forth in the contract. It is also worth to mention that an excellent coordination and cooperation was established with RJAF as well as its resident team in Ankara to support the program. All aircraft deliveries have been timely performed and currently the 12th aircraft is in the flight line undergoing the final checkouts and the customer inspections. With the scheduled delivery of this aircraft in April 2009, the first phase of the program will be completed. The second phase, including the modification of the remaining five aircraft has already started at RJAF’s facility in Jordan where TAI’s responsibility is to provide technical assistance and supervision.







Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



What are your intended plans and targets in relation to marketing and exportation on international platforms? Could you additionally elaborate the priority districts as well as strategies concerning cooperative production?



Considering the current status of development and implementation process, most of our programs such as modernization of C130, T38, F-16, S70; customization and integration of ATAK Helicopter, Medium/Intermediate Utility Helicopter; development of Basic Trainer, UAVs & Drones, Satellite, Light Utility Helicopter are open to international partners. The products will be in the market in full spectrum by the beginning of 2010s and consequently, we aim at being a strong key player with these solutions together with new derivatives in the global market. At this stage, we are exploring the working models together with allied countries at the early phase as “joint development partner” to adopt and harmonize their requirements with those of the Turkish Armed Forces which has well-respected battlefield operational excellence. Moreover, this approach will help those partners to extend their capability base and to secure the lower costs of ownership through the life-cycle operation of such complex systems. With such an experience, gained in the Royal Jordan Air Force F-16 modification program, it is believed that feeling comfort in Turkey, while working in the long-lasting aerospace-defense programs, is another advantage in participating in the joint development opportunities.



In the above portfolio, I would like to give some details of the Attack/Reconnaissance Helicopter (ATAK) Program. In 2007, TAI was awarded as the Prime Contractor with the responsibility for the complete avionics and weapons systems to be replaced mainly with the locally developed systems solutions including the mission computer and avionics suit. The end product, after such an extra-ordinary engineering modernization, will be named as T-129 where “T” stands for Turkey. Being the sole source for the complete fuselage manufacturing, TAI will have all the rights and authorities to sell the helicopter to the world market -excluding Italy and UK - and will provide the after sales services in the full spectrum.





Defence Turkey:It is seen that TAI has taken significant achievements in 2008. In terms of production, investment, export and international projects, how could you evaluate the improvements in figures in 2008?



How do you asses TAI’s position in 2009? What are TAI’s 2009 targets?



The achievements realized in 2008, sales with 231 M$, export with 185 M$, investment with around 19 M$, design and manufacturing workload (10% of that workload was outsourced to local subcontractors) with 5 million hours, reflects the highest figures since the establishment of TAI. Moreover, the employment has reached its historical top point of 2.995 people.



The year 2008 was a period of transforming the intellectual, technological and investment assets to the long-lasting programs such as Attack and Recoinnascence (ATAK) Helicopter Program, A350 XWB programs. These programs will be the core of coming 20-25 years of the company and be the central for derivative products.



$500 million contract for the A350XWB was signed between TAI and Airbus. Could you please inform us about this program?



TAI has become the “risk sharing partner” for Airbus A350XWB ailerons design and manufacturing with the contract signed on 4 December 2008. Airbus A350XWB is a long range wide body aircraft with 270-350 passenger capacity and mainly made out of carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Through an intensive and hard competition between November 2007 and June 2008 with other manufacturers, TAI won the ailerons design and manufacture work package on 12 November 2008.

The design activities of the Ailerons are continuing and the first part manufacturing is planned to start in April 2010 leading the first set of Ailerons delivery from TAI in January 2011. The monthly rate will go up to 13 sets of Ailerons very rapidly.

As of January 2009, A350XWB aircraft received 478 firm orders. This number of orders, especially when the aircraft is on the concept phase, demonstrates that the contract signed between TAI and Airbus will be extended.

A350XWB Ailerons Program, including the extension options and possible additional work packages for more than 2000 aircraft, will create around 1 Billion Euros in 15 years and create work for 600 engineers and 1000 technicians. Together with this program, not only will TAI own the intellectual property rights for the component, but also have the “Designed in Turkey” signature on most the modern aircraft.