Latest developments for TIHA-A...
Source: DefenceTurkey
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?HAs 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 TIHA program is extremely beneficent to our national interests from a number of perspectives.
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