MMU Chief Engineer Emre YABAN: “First MMU Block-10 Aircraft Will Have AESA Radar”
After the National Combat Aircraft KAAN was introduced to the public, we had the opportunity to speak to Emre YABAN, the Chief Engineer of the National Combat Aircraft development team, about the development and testing processes of the MMU, the upcoming stages, and many other areas of interest.
Defence Turkey: How is the test campaign of the MMU going?
Emre YABAN: We are currently commencing ground tests of the National Combat Aircraft. As most of you followed and witnessed with HÜRJET, we will subject our aircraft to static tests. Additionally, there are system tests. We will test our hydraulic system and flight control system on the "Iron Bird." There will be electrical system tests, and we will test our software. Therefore, we will continue with ground tests at the moment.
Defence Turkey: When we attended the press conference here in January, we saw the first aircraft. It was mentioned that you would soon begin the production of the second one. Has production started?
Emre YABAN: Yes, it has started. The production of detailed parts for the second aircraft has commenced. Afterward, we will proceed with the assembly. By the end of the year, the assembly processes will likely have begun. Prior to that, the production and assembly of tooling equipment will be completed.
Defence Turkey: Normally, we were expecting static tests on the ground with this aircraft. Now you are also building the second prototype. Will you continue using the Development & Test Aircraft (GTU-0) for future flight tests after the first flight, or will you proceed with the second aircraft?
Emre YABAN: This aircraft (GTU-0) will fly. The aircraft you see and touch will fly by the end of the year.
Defence Turkey: How will flight testing progress in the subsequent stages?
Emre YABAN: We will continue the flight test processes with this aircraft. Of course, it will fly within a limited envelope. It won't cover the entire envelope due to the systems. However, within that limited envelope, we will obtain data. As you know, envelope expansion doesn't happen immediately during the initial flights. We will progress gradually. The next prototype aircraft we produce will support this aircraft with expanded envelopes. We will have several prototypes. We have a very aggressive schedule. We plan to deliver the National Combat Aircraft to our Air Force by 2028.
Defence Turkey: How many prototypes will there be?
Emre YABAN:We will have seven prototypes. It may be seven today, and tomorrow it could be six. Many things can change because we will also have testbed platforms. We will conduct tests on various test platforms to accomplish this schedule. We need to conduct flight tests as well. It is not logical to use only the MMU for testing the systems. Therefore, we will conduct tests with different platforms.
Defence Turkey: During our visit to the facility a few months ago, we had the opportunity to see the static test aircraft and Iron Bird of HÜRJET. The Iron Bird for KAAN had not been produced yet. What stage are we currently at?
Emre YABAN: We are currently setting up the static test platforms for our aircraft. The Iron Bird will also be established at the end of the year.
Defence Turkey: The delivery of 20 aircraft is planned for the end of 2028. Will the initial fleet use F110-GE-129 engines? The process of developing a domestic engine is also ongoing. Is there a timeline for that?
Emre YABAN: It wouldn't be correct for me to discuss that process right now. But I can say that the process of developing a domestic engine has started.
Defence Turkey: The first version to be delivered to the Air Force will be the Block-10 version of the National Combat Aircraft. What differences will there be between Block-10 and Block-20? For example, will it have an AESA radar?
Emre YABAN: There are certain details that cannot be disclosed. But Block-10 will have many capabilities. There will be an AESA radar in the first aircraft. Therefore, our first aircraft will be superior in many aspects. It will outperform our existing F-16s and other aircraft.
Defence Turkey: Will there be differences between the final aircraft and the test aircraft that we see here?
Emre YABAN:There can be significant differences between the prototype aircraft and the final aircraft. It depends on the data we obtain from the ground and flight tests as well as the wind tunnel tests. If you look at similar aircraft, such as the F-22, F-35, and projects like the X-32, X-35, and YF-22, you will see significant differences during the complex stages of those projects. We believe that similar differences can occur in our case. We plan accordingly.
Defence Turkey: The canopy opens forward. Will that remain the same on the production aircraft?
Emre YABAN: Currently, our plan is to continue with this configuration. Our technical teams have conducted various studies and trade-offs, and we have determined that this is the best and most suitable option for our aircraft. We are continuing in this direction.
Defence Turkey: When will we be able to see the internal weapons bay in active use?
Emre YABAN: Our entire design activity will progress towards being active. The decision on which aircraft we will start using them will be determined during the development process.
Defence Turkey: We are very impressed. It has a very striking appearance. It must have also made an impact internationally. Pakistan is said to have an interest. You have an office in Pakistan.
Emre YABAN: There is interest from several countries. It is not my place to disclose those countries. As President ERDOĞAN and Mr. Temel KOTİL have already mentioned, there are only four countries capable of producing this aircraft. Many of them do not sell to other countries. Therefore, it is very normal for friendly countries to show interest in such a plane.
Defence Turkey: Thank you very much
