A new chapter has opened in Türkiye's aviation history. KAAN, Türkiye's first national combat aircraft, successfully completed its maiden flight today.
Developed with the contributions of many national organizations, primarily TUSAŞ and TÜBİTAK, KAAN shone like a star in the sky. Türkiye's 5th generation fighter jet, KAAN, remained airborne for 13 minutes during its first flight, flying at an altitude of 8000 feet and a speed of 230 knots.
This historic achievement showcases the progress made by the Turkish defense industry. Beginning with a decision taken by the Defense Industry Executive Board in 2010, and following years of research and development that we have monitored at every stage with 100% domestic production, the KAAN project has transformed from a dream into reality. This success is not only a technological advancement but also a source of national pride.
Every member of the project team involved in this most important aviation project of Türkiye has gone down in history as an architect of this success. TUSAŞ test pilot Barbaros Demirbaş, in particular, made history as the first pilot to fly Türkiye's National Combat Aircraft, KAAN. KAAN's first flight is seen as a promising step for future projects. We congratulate all team members and wish KAAN continued success in its future phases.
What features does the National Combat Aircraft KAAN possess?
Türkiye's 5th generation stealth fighter, KAAN, is Türkiye's first national combat aircraft and boasts a number of impressive features. Here are some of its technical specifications:
- Wingspan: 14 meters (46 feet)
- Length21 meters (69 feet)
- Height: 6 meters (20 feet)
- Engine Drive Class: 2 x 29,000 pounds
- Maximum SpeedMach 1.8 (at 40,000 feet)
- Service Ceiling: 55,000 feet
- Positive G Limit: +9g
- Negative G Limit: -3.5g1
KAAN also features advanced situational awareness systems, user-friendly interfaces and automation that optimize pilot workload, and the ability to assess combat damage. These features enhance the aircraft's air superiority, enabling precise and accurate weapon fire from its internal weapon bays at high/supersonic speeds, and providing increased lethality with the support of Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks.
Furthermore, KAAN will be equipped with advanced weapon systems when it becomes operational after completing all tests. Here are some of its features:
- AESA RadarIt will have an advanced radar system manufactured by ASELSAN, capable of detecting enemy targets with high accuracy.
- Air-to-air missilesKAAN will be able to fire domestically produced air-to-air missiles, capable of neutralizing enemy aircraft, from internal bays or weapon carrying points located under its wings.
- Internal Weapon CompartmentThe ability to fire precise and accurate weapons even at high/supersonic speeds while maintaining low radar visibility.
These weapon systems and features will enable KAAN to serve as a versatile combat platform and ensure air superiority.
