The Turkish Navy, having entered the "Naval Aviation" league with TCG Anadolu, is preparing to compete at the top with a true and pure aircraft carrier. (Its short name is TCG Anadolu) MUGEM the one which... National Aircraft Carrier, Unlike TCG Anadolu, it will be a massive floating air base designed entirely for air operations and power projection, not for amphibious missions.
As Yuzde100yerli.com, we have examined in detail the technical specifications, weapon systems, and air power of this strategic platform, designed by the Naval Forces Command Design Project Office (DPO), whose construction began with the cutting of the first steel plate on January 2, 2025. Here are the answers to the most frequently searched questions about MUGEM on the internet.
What is the National Aircraft Carrier (MUGEM), and how does it differ from TCG Anadolu?
Although often confused with each other in the public eye, MUGEM and TCG Anadolu (LHD) are in completely different classes.
- TCG Anadolu: It is an amphibious assault ship. It has a dock, carries tanks and armored vehicles, and is used for landing operations. Its ability to carry aircraft is a secondary function.
- MUGEM: It is a purebred aircraft carrier. It has no pool or tank garage. Its entire space is dedicated to aircraft fuel, ammunition, and hangars. Its mission is to transport Türkiye's air power to the middle of the oceans.
National Aircraft Carrier Design and Technical Specifications: How Big Is It?
Designed by the Design Project Office (DPO) of the Istanbul Shipyard Command January 2, 2025 The final technical specifications of the ship, whose construction began on [date], are as follows:
- Full Size: 285 meters (300 meters has not yet been officially approved) (54 meters from TCG Anadolu, the size of 3 football fields).
- Width: 72 meters.
- Away game: 60,000 tons (fully loaded weight).
- Water Draft: 10.1 meters.
- Speed: 25 knots (approximately 46 km/h) and above.
- Drive System: Not nuclear, COGAG (Combined Gas Turbine and Gas Turbine) system. Four LM2500 gas turbines will provide the ship with high speed and maneuverability.
Note: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in his speech at the Commissioning, Flag Raising and First Steel Cutting Ceremony of Naval Platforms at the Istanbul Shipyard Command, stated, "We have initiated the construction processes of our 300-meter-long aircraft carrier, which will be the older sibling of TCG Anadolu.". Due to this change in Gemini's length, we will reflect any official updates regarding its width, displacement, and other technical data in this article. Stay tuned.
MUGEM Air Force: How Many Aircraft Will It Have?
The ship's main striking force is the air elements it carries. MUGEM, STOBAR It will operate on the principle of (short takeoff, hook-and-grab). The aircraft will take off under their own power from the inclined ramp (Ski-Jump) at the bow of the ship, and when landing, they will stop by hooking onto hydraulic ropes on the deck.
- Total Capacity: 50 Aircraft.
- Twenty of these vehicles can be deployed on the flight deck, and thirty in the hangar.
- Planned Air Fleet:
- HURJET: A hook-and-naval version of the light attack and training aircraft.
- Bayraktar KIZILELMA: Unmanned combat aircraft (UCA).
- Bayraktar TB3: Reconnaissance and armed UAVs.
- ANKA-3: Deep strike capable unmanned aircraft.
- Supporting Elements: General purpose and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.
Defense and Offensive Systems: A Floating Fortress
MUGEM, sadece uçak kaldıran bir pist değil, aynı zamanda yoğun hava saldırılarına karşı kendini koruyabilen bir kaledir. Üzerindeki silah yükü %90’ın üzerinde yerlilik oranına sahip olacaktır:
- Air Defense (VLS): ROKETSAN manufactured products are on board the ship. 32-cell MIDLAS (National Vertical Launch System) will take place. From here HİSAR-D And TRENCH By firing the missiles, aircraft and missiles approaching the ship will be destroyed at long range.
- Close Defense (CIWS): ASELSAN-manufactured anti-ship missiles are installed at all four corners of the ship to counter anti-ship missile threats. GOKDENIZ (35mm Fragmented Ammunition) and LEVENT Missile systems will be present.
- Sensors: The ship's main radar is manufactured by ASELSAN. CAFRAD It will be an advanced version of the (Multi-Purpose Phased Array Radar) suite. All combat management will be handled by HAVELSAN. ADVENT This will be provided through the system.
Crew Capacity: How many people will be on board the ship?
Managing a city weighing 60,000 tons requires a large human resource. MUGEM's planned personnel setup is as follows:
- Ship Crew: Approximately the person who steered and managed the ship 800-900 sailor.
- Air Wing Personnel: Approximately, including the aircraft pilots, technicians, and munitions personnel. 500-600 employee.
- Total: The ship is operating at full capacity. Over 1400 Staff will be on duty.
Where is it manufactured and when will it be available?
- Shipyard: The main project leader Istanbul Shipyard Command‘However, the construction of the ship's blocks is also supported by leading civilian shipyards in Türkiye.
- Current Situation: The actual construction of the project. January 2, 2025 It began with the first hair-cutting ceremony in its history.
- Estimated Calendar: The construction and outfitting of an aircraft carrier takes an average of 5-7 years. MUGEM's 2028-2029 launching into the sea, following port and sea trials (HAT/SAT) 2032 It is expected to become fully operational and join the Turkish Navy around [year].
MUGEM is the most complex and largest engineering project undertaken by the Turkish defense industry to date. This ship is a strategic force multiplier that will elevate Türkiye from merely a "Regional Power" to a "Global Power" capable of demonstrating a military presence anywhere in the world.
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