(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — As a temporary measure while developing its own fighter jet engines, Turkey has reportedly sought permission from the United States to build under-license the F-110 GE-129 engines produced by General Electric (GE).
Turkey intends to use the F-110 GE-129 engines in the initial batch of its fifth-generation fighter aircraft, “KAAN,” currently under development, before eventually replacing them with domestically produced engines.
As reported by Bloomberg recently, the F-110 GE-129 engine is a twin-engine version, similar to the engines used in F-15 fighter jets, while the F-110 GE-110 engine version is utilized by F-16 fighter jets, also operated by the Turkish Air Force.
It remains uncertain whether Turkey’s request for a licensed production of the F-110 GE-129 engines will be granted by the United States, given the strained diplomatic relations between the two NATO member countries.
This is further complicated by the fact that Turkey’s request to purchase 40 F-16 Block 70 and 80 fighter jets, along with F-16 aircraft modernization kits valued at an estimated US$20 billion (RM80 billion), has not been entertained by Washington.
Turkey’s efforts to procure F-16 jets face numerous conditions imposed by members of the U.S. Congress and the U.S. administration.
The latest condition set by Washington requires Turkey to grant approval for Sweden to become a NATO member before considering Turkey’s request to acquire F-16 fighter jets and their associated modernization kits.
The request to the United States for the licensed production of F-110 GE-129 engines in Turkey follows an agreement between TUSAS Engine Industries (TEI) and GE Aerospace signed a few months ago.
TEI is one of the largest component manufacturers for F110 engines, produced under license for approximately 250 F-16 fighter jets currently operated by the Turkish Air Force.
The Turkish Air Force stands as one of the largest users of F-16 fighter jets globally.
TEI, a collaborative effort between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and GE Aerospace, as well as other local entities, was established to ensure the country’s self-sufficiency in producing engines for both aircraft and guided missiles.
In addition to licensed production of the GE-110 engine, TEI also manufactures engines used in the T-70 helicopters (a local variant of the S-70) and LHTEC engines employed in the T129 ATAK attack helicopters developed by TAI.
Currently, TEI is developing its most powerful turbofan engine to date, the TEI-TF10000, an upgraded version of the earlier TEI-TF6000 turbofan engine.
The TEI-TF10000 turbofan engine is designed to provide 10,000 pounds of thrust and is intended for use in the unmanned fighter drone “Kizilelma,” developed by the renowned Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar Technology, operating from the country’s largest warship, the TCG Anadolu.
The TEI-TF10000 engine serves as the foundation for the development of locally-produced engines that will equip Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft, KAAN. — DSA