The first prototype of TAI-modernized T38 jet trainer aircraft was delivered to Turkish Air Force (TurAF) with a ceremony held on April 20, 2012 at TAI’s facilities.
Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI), as a prime contractor, was awarded a contract by the Under-Secretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) to design, develop and implement an avionics upgrade for the TurAF under the T-38 Avionics Modernization (ARI) Program.
In the framework of the program, a total of 55 TurAF T-38A aircraft are to be upgraded. The upgrade process of five aircraft is ongoing at TAI’s facilities whereas the remaining 50 production aircraft will be modified at TurAF 1st Air Supply and Maintenance Center with technical support of TAI.
The avionics upgrade of the first prototype of T38 trainer aircraft was successfully completed by TAI and delivered to TurAF.
Following the prototype deliveries in 2012, the last aircraft modification is planned to be completed in 2014.