GÖKHAN ramjet-powered beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, first announced in 2021, has been put on TÜBİTAK SAGE’s updated website alongside the design.
The information published on the website states that the ground tests are ongoing. Following ground tests and captive flight tests, firing tests will begin.
GÖKHAN’s external layout shows similarities with the MBDA Meteor, its European counterpart, regarding air intake positioning. However, the rear fins have a significantly lower span, hinting that GÖKHAN is optimised for internal weapon bays. Meteor’s large rear fins are one of the reasons behind the missile’s integration issues with the U.K.’s F-35Bs.
The fuselage layout (Excluding the air intakes) being identical to GÖKDOĞAN suggests the reuse of existing components and caution with keeping a similar interface to ease integration work. If this is the case, GÖKHAN would be around 5.1 m long.
GÖKHAN’s ramjet propulsion will bring the advantage of longer effective range thanks to adjustable thrust, as solid-fuel rocket engines cannot adjust their thrust mid-flight.
The missile will be used on F-16s with ÖZGÜR modernisation, the MURAD 100-A AESA radar, and the TUSAŞ KAAN fighter jet.
