The Şimşek High-Speed Target Aircraft System, developed by TUSAŞ, is an original design specifically created to meet the training needs of the Turkish Armed Forces' air defense units. Initiated in 2009 as a research and development project, this system is adaptable to customer needs and is compatible with various air defense systems, simulating the flight characteristics of combat aircraft and missiles.

General Features

• Operational Time and Speed: Şimşek can stay airborne for 45 minutes and reaches a maximum speed of over 350 knots (kts).
• Operational Altitude and Range: It operates between altitudes of 50 ft (15 m) to 25,000 ft (7600 m) and has a range of 120 km.
• Launch and Recovery Methods: It utilizes launcher-assisted takeoff and air vehicle wing release, with parachute recovery on land or sea.
• Platform Compatibility: Capable of launching and control from ship helicopter platforms.

Technological Structure

• Constructed using advanced composite technologies, it complies with military standards.
• Features the "YKİ Flight Control System" and "Autopilot System," enabling fully autonomous flight from takeoff to landing.

Ground Control Station

• Offers pre-mission planning and control capabilities.
• Capable of altering the mission plan during flight.
• Equipped with Return Home and Emergency Landing Modes for safe, predetermined return points in emergencies.

Data Management and Mapping System

• Records and replays real-time encrypted digital flight data.
• Equipped with a moving map system.

Payloads

Equipped with various payloads including Passive and Active Radar Signature Enhancers, Score Recording System (SKS), IR Signature Enhancer (Hot Nose), Smoke Trail, and OTS Automatic Identification System (AIS).

Payload Integration Studies

Ongoing integration studies for systems like Countermeasure Launching.