TEI (TUSAŞ Engine Industry Inc.), which has undertaken the mission of ending dependence on foreign sources in "engine" technology, the most critical component of the Turkish defense industry, is celebrating its 41st anniversary. Founded in 1985 for the assembly of F-16 engines, the company has today risen to become the design center for original engines that power Türkiye's air platforms, from UAVs to helicopters.
TEI, the flagbearer of the doctrine in Türkiye that "in aviation, it's not enough to just make the fuselage, you must also produce its heart," has transformed into a global player with its 41 years of experience. The congratulatory message published by the Chairman of the Board, Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Öztürk, revealed not only the company's past but also its vision of "producing all the aviation engines that Türkiye will need.".
“"The Apple of Our Nation's Eye"”
TEI Chairman of the Board Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Öztürk issued a message to his colleagues on the occasion of the 41st anniversary. Emphasizing that TEI is one of the most important suppliers to the global aviation ecosystem, Öztürk stated the following:
“Happy 41st anniversary to TEI, one of the most important companies in the global aviation ecosystem and the pride of our country, which has achieved many firsts in our aviation history with its national engines. We will continue to work resolutely to produce all the aviation engines our country needs in the defense and aerospace industry, and in the coming period, we will continue to carry Türkiye's strength to the world with our pioneering projects.’
From Piston Engines to National Combat Aircraft: TEI's 41-Year Engine Journey
TEI's 41-year corporate history is, in fact, the most concrete summary of the Turkish industry's transition from its "infancy" to its "rise." Established in 1985 in Eskişehir in partnership with General Electric (GE) for the production and assembly of parts for the F110 engines powering F-16 aircraft, the facility was initially just a "Build to Print" (produce from a given schematic) production workshop. However, over the past 41 years, TEI has completely reversed this mission; it has transformed from a manufacturer producing what others have designed into a global technology giant that designs its own engines from scratch with a "Design to Build" vision.
The UAV Revolution and the First Indigenous Signatures in the Sky
The first major turning point in TEI's transition from assembly to design began with Türkiye's breakthrough in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Problems with engines sourced from abroad and covert embargoes pushed TEI to produce domestic solutions. The first and most important fruit of this process was... TEI-PD170 This turbodiesel aviation engine, which powers platforms such as ANKA, AKSUNGUR, and BAYRAKTAR TB3, surpassed its competitors in its class, exceeding an altitude of 30,000 feet and setting fuel efficiency records. The PD170 was Türkiye's first strategic victory in declaring engine independence in "MALE" class UAVs.
Simultaneously, development was underway for missile systems and target aircraft. TEI-TJ90 And TEI-TJ300 Turbojet engines have been commissioned. The TJ90, which has the highest thrust-to-weight ratio in its class in the world, has met Türkiye's need for "small but powerful" propulsion in its air defense and attack systems with domestic resources.
The Pinnacle of Materials Science: TS1400 and Single Crystal Technology
However, TEI's real "test of merit" came in rotary-wing platforms, specifically helicopter engines. The first domestically developed turboshaft engine for the GÖKBEY helicopter was the first of its kind in Türkiye. TEI-TS1400, This has proven to the whole world the level that Turkish engineering has reached in materials science. It demonstrated the requirements for turbine blades, the heart of an engine, to function without melting or breaking apart at temperatures of thousands of degrees. “"Single Crystal Blade" Casting technology was nationalized with this project. This critical technology, possessed by only a handful of countries in the world, elevated TEI from "Engine Manufacturer" to "Engine Technology Developer" in the global arena.
The Turbofan Era and the Supersonic Future
The "hot zone" and high-speed experience gained from the TS1400 has propelled Türkiye into the "Turbofan" era, the champions league of aviation. Türkiye's first domestically produced turbofan engine will power unmanned combat aircraft such as KIZILELMA and ANKA-3. TEI-TF6000 and its afterburner version TEI-TF10000, This opened the door to supersonic speeds. These engines, in the 6,000 and 10,000 pound thrust class, were not just power sources; they served as technology laboratories where aerodynamic design, cooling channels, and Blisk (integrated fin disc) manufacturing techniques were validated.
Ultimate Goal: KAAN's Domestic Engine
The ultimate goal of TEI's 41 years of experience is the National Combat Aircraft. KAAN‘It is the engine of KAAN. This technological journey, which began with the PD170, matured with the TS1400, and approached its peak with the TF10000, will be crowned with a unique engine in the 35,000-pound thrust class that will propel KAAN to supersonic speeds. TEI is using the data obtained from the TF6000/10000 projects and the massive test infrastructure it has established as a stepping stone to build the domestic heart of KAAN.
TEI, celebrating its 41st anniversary today, is not just a factory that produces engines; it is a fortress of "National Power" made of metal and software, realizing Türkiye's dream of complete independence in the skies.
Akşit's Vision: From "Impossible" to "National Engine"
One of the architects of TEI's historic transformation is undoubtedly... General Manager Prof. Dr. Mahmut Faruk Akşit. Akşit, who led the company's transformation from a mere manufacturer to an "OEM" (Original Equipment Manufacturer) that designs, tests, and certifies engines, is particularly known for the confidence he instilled in his engineers with his motto, "We can do it.".
Since taking office in 2013, Prof. Dr. Akşit has followed the strategy of "We must make the heart of the engine, not just the screws"; despite the difficulties encountered in the TS1400 project, he did not back down and contributed to Türkiye. Single Crystal Fin He brought the technology to the company. Today, Akşit, who is also the leading figure in the TF6000 and TF10000 projects on the way to KAAN's engine, has positioned TEI as one of the few companies in the global league with a "Engine Design Office".
Vision for the Future: Complete Independence in Gas Turbine Engines
Celebrating its 41st anniversary, TEI is today more than just a manufacturing facility; it is an integrated powerhouse with a Materials Testing and Research Laboratory, Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) capabilities, and engine maintenance and repair centers.
Prof. Dr. Öztürk's emphasis on "all aviation engines" in his message underscores TEI's goal of not limiting itself to existing projects but rather localizing the production of engines for every platform in Türkiye's airspace (fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, missiles).
Note
If you have any photos or video footage to support our news story, please share them with us using the information provided on our contact us page.
