Turkish Aerospace has achieved a new ability to aerostructure field by A400M programme with the integration of “Directional Infrared Counter Measures” (DIRCM) system aerostructure parts for the first time to the MSN 105 tail number of A400M. The new system will detect and destroy incoming missiles via a missile warning unit, and a hand-held air defence systems directed to the A400M aircraft.
Being a stakeholder on Airbus Defence and Space with more than 5% share, Turkish Aerospace has succeeded for the first time “Design to Build” which is design data has been created by Turkish Aerospace, instead of “Build to Print” which is ready design data, on the A400M programme. Turkish Aerospace is currently managing the production and delivery processes of 405 detail and sub-assembly parts for DIRCM Project of A400M aircraft. With the integration of DIRCM system, the aircraft gained a capability that will enable 360-degree detection of multiple missiles with its multi-target capability.
Currently, for the A400M programme; Forward Center Fuselage, Tail Cone and Rear Fuselage Top Panel, Flaps / Speed Brakes, Paratrooper & Emergency Exit Doors, lighting systems, primary design and supply of waste/clean water systems, final assembly line management/support as well as design and manufacture of fuselage wiring, excluding the cockpit all interior and exterior lighting systems are all continued under the responsibility of Turkish Aerospace. Also, DIRCM structural design and analysis, equipment assembly design, retrofit solution design, detailed part production, assembly and a total of 2 km of new cable manufacturing for each aircraft has been included in its business package.
Sharing the thoughts regarding the integrated DIRCM system, Prof. Temel Kotil, President and CEO of Turkish Aerospace said “Turkish Aerospace continues to contribute to the aerospace abilities of our country by integrating aerostructre parts of Next Generation Technologhy platform first time into A400M. We continue our perfect production and delivery processes in the A400M program, which is among the world’s largest aircraft. I congratulate our colleagues who contributed to the success.”
Having a 7 percent share on A400M programme, Turkish Aerospace has produced and delivered 135 aircraft shipsets to Airbus Defence and Space. The total programme includes 176 A400M aircraft.