TÜBİTAK Finishes AKBABA Missile’s Antenna Layout Analysis

ROKETSAN’s AKBABA anti-radiation missile’s second phase antenna layout analysis was completed according to the 2023 Annual Report of TÜBİTAK. The analysis was made using the data from ROKETSAN. AKBABA is a new anti-radiation missile being developed by ROKETSAN to succeed the U.S.-made AGM-88 series of rocket-powered anti-radiation missiles in the TuAF service. ROKETSAN has not shared any specifications for the missile. AKBABA is planned to be used on KAAN and F-16 ÖZGÜR fighter jets. Other platforms might be included in the future, depending on tolerances. Anti-radiation missiles are designed to destroy or force air defence systems’ radars to retreat, with their passive RF seekers picking up emissions. Many such missiles have been developed since the starting point of the Cold War. When new-generation anti-radiation missile designs are observed, enhancements on rocket engines or ramjet propulsion types can be observed to achieve longer ranges. Some missiles like AGM-88G AARGM-ER utilise seekers with mmW radars to keep the crosshairs on targeted radars. The 2023 Annual Report includes some other activities of TÜBİTAK. Laboratories affiliated with TÜBİTAK Test Evaluation Vice Presidency (TDBY) provided General TEMPEST Installation Guide Training to Baykar Makina. Baykar has been the target of various espionage activities in recent years. The Aviation Engine Materials Development Program conducts studies on high-temperature engine materials, which will be used for the domestic production of the KAAN engine. The prototype production of such materials started with stainless steel and nickel-based superalloys. Work was carried out to develop the Integrated Sonar System (BOSS), which is fully integrated into the Combat Management System and can operate as Monostatic, Bistatic and Multistatic for the TF-2000 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer. Forty-nine externally supported projects were carried out at TÜBİTAK SAGE as of the end of 2023. Within the scope of the GÖKTUĞ Project, aircraft firing tests of Turkiye’s Air-Air Missiles, GÖKDOĞAN and BOZDOĞAN missiles, were successfully carried out. In addition, a new term contract for GÖKDOĞAN and BOZDOĞAN missiles has been signed, and within the scope of the contract, the first low-scale production of 25 missiles and integration activities into F-16 PO-III aircraft will be carried out.