TÜSAS (Türk Uçak Sanayi Sirketi)
Aerospace Industries [TAI]

TÜSAS (Türk Uçak Sanayi Sirketi) Aerospace Industries [TAI], the center of technology in design, development, manufacturing, integration of aerospace systems, modernization and after sales support in Turkey, was established on 15 May 1984. Located in Akinci-Ankara, TAI’s modern aircraft facilities, which cover an area of 5 million square meters with an industrial facility of over 200,000 square meters under roof, is furnished with high technology machinery and equipment that provide extensive manufacturing capabilities.

Furthermore, in order to develop a ground for defence-aerospace skills, and create synergy among small to medium enterprises and universities, a significant part of engineering-based activities are conducted at the Techno Park located in the Middle East Technical University. The quality system of the Company meets the stringent world standards including NATO AQAP-2110, ISO-9001:2000 and AS EN 9100. As of 2006 TAI generated less than $100 million a year with more than 1,500 employees. As of 2010 TAI had a total of 3000 employees, 1200 of whom are engineers. The shareholders of the Company are; the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries and Turkish Aeronautical Association.

TAI, which participates in global-scale design and development programs, is also engaged in the design and manufacturing of structural components with leading international aerospace companies. With its proven experience, TAI is a uniquely qualified supplier for Aermacchi, AgustaWestland, Airbus, Boeing, EADS CASA, Eurocopter, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, MDHI, Sikorsky and many more.

Since its establishment, TAI’s employees, baring in mind their target to develop not only Turkey’s national power, but also the technological capacity that will support the military capacity, have been carrying out their activities to develop the necessary capabilities and products in order to meet the aerospace requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces with “indigenous” systems. To this end, TAI, in line with its vision and mission statements, has established a modern aerospace facility, and successfully realized the co-production of F-16 fighters, CN-235 light transport/maritime patrol/surveillance aircraft, SF-260 trainers, Cougar AS-532 general purpose helicopters. With its proven experience and know-how, TAI has improved its capabilities in the fields of design, production, modernization, modification and systems integration of fixed and rotary wing air platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles and satellite.

Being the main contractor of ATAK - Attack/Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopters Program, TAI will not only customize, but also produce and provide integrated logistics support of the helicopter in accordance with the user needs. TAI, which is the prime contractor of the Turkish Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MALE) production program, is engaged in design and development of Primary & Basic Trainer (HÜRKUS) Aircraft. Baring in mind its target to provide the Turkish Armed Forces with indigenous systems, TAI continues its activities regarding the design and production of Turkish Primary and Basic Trainer Aircraft (HÜRKUS) and Turkish Indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TIHA).

TAI, which actively participates in the custom satellite development program of Turkey, will be the local integrator company for the International Satellite Acquisition Programs. To this end, a new Satellite Assembly and Integration Test Facility will be built.

In addition to indigenous programs, TAI’s core business also includes modernization, modification and systems integration programs and after sales support of both fixed and rotary wing military and commercial aircraft that are in the inventory of Turkey and friendly countries. TAI is the prime contractor of the avionic modernization programs of the C-130 transport aircraft and T-38 training aircraft that are in the inventory of the Turkish Air Force Command (TuAF). Major modernization programs include Glass Cockpit modification of Turkish Black Hawk helicopters, electronic warfare retrofit and structural modifications on TuAF F-16s, Falcon Star and Mid Life Upgrade modifications of F-16’s that are in the inventory of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, modification and modernization of Cougar AS-532, modification of CN-235 platforms for MPA/MSA missions for the Turkish Navy and Coast Guard, modification of ATR-72 platforms for the Turkish Navy as well as structural modification and systems integration activities required for the conversion of B737-700 aircraft into AEW&C aircraft.

TAI participates, as a partner, in the global scale Joint Strike Fighter (JSF/F-35) and A400M design and development programs. Being the shareholder of Airbus Military S.L., as National Industrial Institution, TAI has been participating in the design and development activities of A400M with the leading European aerospace companies namely; Airbus, EADS and FLABEL. TAI, which also keeps on developing its capabilities in commercial aviation, has also become a full risk-sharing partner of Airbus in the A350XWB program for the aileron work package. Furthermore, by utilizing capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces’ Maintenance Centers, TAI also gives maintenance, repair and overhaul services to its customers.