Turkey Military News, Reports, Data, etc.
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
Someone made size comparisons between TF-X and F-22:
It's curious how trapezoidal vertical slabs went out of style. Other than Raptor and KF-21 no other fighter is using them. FC-31 used them initially but later on opted for swept vertical slabs.
It's a mystery to me too. Perhaps there is negligent RCS reduction gain compared to the drawback(s)? I can guess its heavier, and draggier?
I really wonder what the empty weight of the TF-X will be. We have some figures of how much certain structures weight.
Forward fuselage: 1470kg
Midbody with wings: 2125kg
Aft fuselage: 3945kg
Horizontal stabs: 2x 235kg=470kg
Vertical stabs: unknown but for convenience sake we use the same weight as the horizontal stabilizers eventhough they are smaller=2x235kg=470kg?
Cockpit section: unknown but IMO 1000kg?
2x F110 engines and accessoires: 2x2000kg=4000kg
Landing gears, hydraulics and electronics= Estimated 2000kg?
Estimated empty weight TF-X= 15500kg +/- 10?
Please correct me if I'm wrong or add something I'm currently missing.
EDIT: I think an empty weight closer to 17000kg is more realistic regarding its size.
Forward fuselage: 1470kg
Midbody with wings: 2125kg
Aft fuselage: 3945kg
Horizontal stabs: 2x 235kg=470kg
Vertical stabs: unknown but for convenience sake we use the same weight as the horizontal stabilizers eventhough they are smaller=2x235kg=470kg?
Cockpit section: unknown but IMO 1000kg?
2x F110 engines and accessoires: 2x2000kg=4000kg
Landing gears, hydraulics and electronics= Estimated 2000kg?
Estimated empty weight TF-X= 15500kg +/- 10?
Please correct me if I'm wrong or add something I'm currently missing.
EDIT: I think an empty weight closer to 17000kg is more realistic regarding its size.
It is almost impossible to guess without knowing the precise composition (aluminum/composite/titanium ratio) and state of avionics/electronics. One example would be whether the wiring is traditional (copper) or fiber optics. That along could be result in a magnitude of a difference in weight.
According to various sources, the AESA radar (MURAD) for the Akinci and F-16 is being tested on the Akinci using GaN modules sourced from abroad (design is indigenous though and most probably produced at lab scale locally) and starting in 2024 will use domestically produced GaN modules. Previously, the EIRS long range S-band search radar uses local GaN modules.
"According to the information obtained by Defense Turk, studies are continuing to use modules containing local GaN chips in the MURAD AESA nose radar developed for the F-16 fighter aircraft and AKINCI UCAV. In this context, the first domestic modules are planned to be used in 2024. In addition, the first nose radar prototypes are planned to be used in AKINCI in 2023. Modules containing chips supplied from abroad are used in these products. Domestic modules are produced within AB Mikronano, which is the first chip factory in Turkey, established in partnership with Aselsan and Bilkent University."
According to a defense insider, the Akinci has already flown with the AESA radar: "AESA radar was tested on Akıncı. Then certain corrections were made. Tests continue."
"According to the information obtained by Defense Turk, studies are continuing to use modules containing local GaN chips in the MURAD AESA nose radar developed for the F-16 fighter aircraft and AKINCI UCAV. In this context, the first domestic modules are planned to be used in 2024. In addition, the first nose radar prototypes are planned to be used in AKINCI in 2023. Modules containing chips supplied from abroad are used in these products. Domestic modules are produced within AB Mikronano, which is the first chip factory in Turkey, established in partnership with Aselsan and Bilkent University."
According to a defense insider, the Akinci has already flown with the AESA radar: "AESA radar was tested on Akıncı. Then certain corrections were made. Tests continue."
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