TUSAŞ to Produce Domestic Composite for Missiles

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is investing USD 181 million in a composite materials factory used across applications ranging from missiles and aircraft fuselages to armor. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is building the world's fourth largest composite production facility. New materials created by combining two or more different materials at macro scale (such as carbon fiber) are used in numerous sectors including composite products, missiles, aircraft, helicopters and automobiles. Only a small number of countries worldwide can produce composite products, which command a multi-billion-dollar market. According to information provided by TUSAŞ, the facility will be Turkey's largest and the world's 4th largest composite production plant under a single roof at 95,000 square meters. The factory will meet 2 percent of global aerospace composite requirements. The export price per kilogram of composite produced at the facility reaches USD 1,500. The factory will conduct precise and error-free production with artificial intelligence-enabled robotic arms, autonomous and state-of-the-art equipment. When the facility reaches full capacity, it will employ one thousand people and feature high-technology production. The facility, where structural components of aircraft and helicopters will be manufactured, will conduct advanced technological production alongside new product design and development.

Smart Factory to Be Built

The facility will be implemented as an intelligent digital factory incorporating virtual and augmented reality applications. Depending on composite type, specialized robotics, autonomous equipment and artificial intelligence-enabled robotic arms will conduct precise and error-free production. Autonomous vehicles, robots and machines at the facility will communicate with each other. The facility will be equipped with thousands of sensors and communication systems enabling real-time monitoring of the entire production process and productivity.

Production for Global Leaders

TUSAŞ experts, noting that work is underway for the facility to commence operations as soon as possible, stated: "With this investment, TUSAŞ will significantly expand production capacity and contribute to the national economy through exports. Alongside its proprietary products, TUSAŞ, which conducts partnerships with multinational companies, will produce at the facility not only its own developed aircraft but also for global aviation leaders such as Airbus and Boeing."

Recruitment Has Begun

Experts noted that engineer recruitment for the facility has commenced, stating: "For the facility to be implemented at the headquarters in Kahramankazan, engineers will be hired in various disciplines for process engineer (composite manufacturing) positions. Candidates must hold degrees in mechanical engineering, metallurgy and materials, aeronautical or space engineering, while possessing at least 2 years of experience in composite and manufacturing technologies will be a preference criterion." Source: Sabah