simulation flights for increased efficiency (which could lead to faster development and testing)
As Turkey’s first indigenously developed supersonic aircraft the HÜRJET will pave the way for the MMU/TF-X. TUSAŞ currently is aiming to complete the subsystem procurement of HÜRJET. When the subsystem, the engine, etc., is completed, it means most of the work is almost done, then the production stage will start. In early September 2020 TUSAŞ announced that they had established the HÜRJET Test and Evaluation Simulator dubbed HÜRJET 270. Equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, the HÜRJET 270 (with 270-degree field of view) engineering simulator is designed to collect feedback from test pilots to make the design of HÜRJET “better, more solid and more efficient.” The simulator is also meant to detect design faults at the development stage. Comprising less costly parts of the original aircraft while still containing its latest technological developments, the simulator will also be able to instantly detect errors encountered by pilots during test runs, a first for the defense industry. Thanks to its real-time software, size, and features, along with its wide viewing angle, existing risks will be identified and eliminated during the development phase. According to TUSAŞ the HÜRJET 270 simulator will feature “human eye-level resolution.” It will also collect data for future training simulators. The integration of the simulator’s avionic and flight control software, screens, cockpit components and communication equipment were completed by the TUSAŞ Prototyping Office. Speaking on the expected contributions from the HÜRJET 270 engineering simulator to the project, TUSAŞ Deputy General Manager Atilla DOĞAN said: “We have to develop the flight control algorithm and software and the avionics software before the plane is produced and assembled. The 270-degree engineering simulator we developed for HÜRJET provides us with a greater capability to make flight control algorithms, software and avionics software with the input of test pilots.”
simulation flights to shorten test time and foreign support from the UK
An example of this support:
On September 16, 2020 Stirling Dynamics of the UK announced that they secured a new contract from TUSAŞ to provide technical assistance in the areas of loads and aeroelastics for the HÜRJET aircraft program. This contract builds on previous support provided by Stirling Dynamics, which was initial consultancy to support TUSAŞ up to the HÜRJET’s Preliminary Design Review (PDR). Under the new contract, Stirling Dynamics will support TUSAŞ’ engineering team as they work towards Critical Design Review (CDR). Stirling Dynamics’ engineers will provide support in several formats involving training and guidance, expert review, and off-site work packages. Technical areas of interest include flight and gust loads, buffet, flutter, and validation testing. Henry HACKFORD, Stirling’s Aerospace Technical Services Business Unit Manager, commented: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with TUSAŞ again on their indigenous aircraft development program. The HÜRJET contract is the realization of a long-standing dialogue with TUSAŞ and provides an exceptional opportunity for us to demonstrate our key strengths.”
