An Overview of Military Cargo Aircraft of Turkish Air Force (Part-1)

TUSAS / CASA CN-235-100

Military transport aircraft, which can carry a wide range of cargo from heavy tonnage weapon systems to fuel and spare parts, can reach every corner of the world thanks to their long-range flight capabilities, and their ability to operate in all weather conditions ensures uninterrupted logistic support. These aircraft ensure the continuity of the logistic support chain in remote bases where land or sea transportation is limited, and also play an active role in the rapid delivery of the materials needed by civilians in emergencies such as natural disasters or humanitarian crises.

Different sources provide different data on the number of transport aircraft in the Turkish Air Force inventory. According to official statements, there are a total of 19 C-130 Hercules in the inventory, 13 C-130E and 6 C-130B types. However, this number is shown as 17 in open source databases such as Flightglobal (2024 World Air Force Directory). The reason for this difference can be explained by the fact that some C-130s are in maintenance and modernisation processes within the scope of the Erciyes modernisation project, or they may be temporarily out of inventory.

On the other hand, until the Turkish Air Force's C-160D(EW) accident in Kayseri on 25 January 2024, it was generally accepted in the public opinion that there were no C-160D type aircraft on active duty in the Turkish Air Force. Before the accident, C-160D(EW) was being used as an electronic warfare aircraft.

The number of aircraft in the inventory of the Turkish Air Force that can be used in various transport and transport missions is 87 in total, including 41 CN-235s, 19 C-130s, 10 A400Ms and 7 KC-135Rs.

TUSAŞ / CASA CN-235-100

The CASA CN-235 is a medium-range twin-engine light transport aircraft developed as a result of a partnership between the Spanish company CASA (Construcciones Aeronauticas SA) and the Indonesian aerospace company IPTN (Indonesian Aerospace). It has become the preferred platform for military transport, successfully performing a wide range of missions such as maritime patrol, reconnaissance-surveillance and air transport. While the Airtech company established within the scope of the project undertook the management of the programme, the partnership was only applied to the first versions. The fact that more than 230 of all versions of the CN-235 are in service demonstrates the success of this aircraft. In 1995, CASA further developed the CN-235, introducing the C-295, which has a longer range, can carry more cargo and has expanded capabilities. The C-295 is currently manufactured by Airbus Military.

In 1990, the Turkish Air Force identified the need for light transport aircraft to join its transport and transport fleet and organised a tender for this purpose. In the tender, in which there was international participation, the CN-235 model produced by the Spanish aviation company CASA was evaluated and selected as the most suitable offer. With the contract signed in June 1991, CASA delivered two CN-235 aircraft to the Turkish Air Force in 1991, and the production rights for the remaining 50 aircraft were taken under licence by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). TAI delivered the first domestically produced CN-235-100 aircraft to the Turkish Air Force on 3 November 1992, and production activities continued until 1998. During this period, CN-235s were produced not only for the Turkish Air Force, but also for the Turkish Naval Forces and Coast Guard Command.

According to Flightglobal (2024 World Air Force Directory), the Turkish Air Force has 1 CN-235-100 and 1 CN-235-100 (Recce) (Reconnaissance Aircraft) for special missions and 41 CN-235-100 for transport and transport missions.

CN-235-100 is a medium-range tactical light military transport aircraft with 2 turboprop engines, high wing and pressurised cabin. Thanks to its STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capability, it can operate on short and rough runways as well as conventional airports, giving the aircraft tactical flexibility. Thanks to this feature, it has the capacity to operate even in difficult geographical conditions and conflict zones.

CN-235-100 is powered by two General Electric CT7-9C3 turboprop engines. These engines provide the necessary thrust to the aircraft by rotating a four-blade propeller assembly with 1,750 horsepower each. It has a maximum cruising speed of 285 miles (458 km) per hour, a range of 2,705 miles and a service ceiling of 25,000 feet. The aircraft has a climb rate of 1,780 feet per minute.

The Turkish Air Force is the most important operator of CN-235-100 aircraft worldwide.

This photo, which I shared as a cover photo, may actually seem very ordinary to some of us. Paratroopers are prepared for a night jump, so what's the big deal! HALO and HAHO are two different high-altitude parachuting techniques that significantly increase the operational capabilities of special forces. Due to the low oxygen level in this technique, paratroopers carry an oxygen cylinder with them. These techniques were developed to enable paratroopers to infiltrate behind enemy lines covertly and quickly without exposing the aircraft and paratroopers to the risk of enemy fire. The main differences between HALO and HAHO are the jump altitude and parachute opening time.

HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) means jumping at high altitude and opening the parachute at low altitude. In this technique, parachutists usually jump from extreme altitudes above 20,000 feet in an environment where the oxygen level is limited. In this way, the possibility of radar detection is minimised. However, this method involves risks such as low air pressure, temperature with the risk of hypothermia and hypoxia due to lack of oxygen. The adrenaline-fuelled experience offered by HALO jumps comes with the risk of hypoxia caused by high altitude. During HALO jumps, the risk of encountering a condition called hypoxia increases due to the decrease in oxygen levels at high altitude. Hypoxia is a condition caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and muscles and can lead to serious consequences such as confusion, dizziness and even loss of consciousness. Additional training and the use of special equipment in HALO jumps are critical for jump safety. For this reason, parachutists who will apply the HALO technique must undergo a comprehensive special training.

HAHO (High Altitude High Opening), similar to HALO, jumps are made from high altitudes, but parachutes are opened at a higher altitude. In this way, parachutists have the opportunity to free fall for a longer time. Although HAHO is considered slightly less risky than HALO, it still carries the challenges of high altitude.

The photo above shows the Turkish Armed Forces' night airdrop capabilities during the Erciyes 2018 Exercise. At the ramped door at the rear of the CN-235-100 tactical transport aircraft of the Turkish Air Force, soldiers of the Turkish Land Forces are seen boarding the CN-235-100 aircraft with their equipment (helmet, oxygen mask, long-barreled weapon, parachute and tactical rucksack) prepared to jump with the HALO/HAHO technique.

The most important advantages of HALO and HAHO techniques are stealth, range and flexibility. High altitude jumps allow paratroopers to land quietly and undetected behind enemy lines. It also allows them to cover long distances and disperse over a wide area. In this way, special forces can create operational surprise by approaching the target from different points. As a result, HALO and HAHO are very valuable tactical tools in the hands of special forces and play an important role in the successful completion of challenging missions.
If we briefly talk about the CN-235 technical specifications, its maximum load carrying capacity of 6,000 kg allows it to address a wide range of missions. Its 4,050 km range with 3,565 kg payload enables it to maintain its effectiveness even in long-distance missions. The cruising speed is stated as 430 km/h.
The aircraft not only carries cargo, but also provides an effective solution for fast personnel transport missions with its capacity to carry 48 paratroopers. In addition, in emergency situations, it can be used in life-saving missions by carrying 21 patients on stretchers and a 4-person medical team.
CN-235 stands out with its versatile mission capabilities. It can perform a wide range of missions such as tactical military transport, personnel transport, search and rescue, reconnaissance, surveillance, maritime patrol and tactical infiltration missions. Its low-flying capability enhances its ability to operate in tactical infiltration missions and under enemy fire. Thanks to its large cargo cabin and hydraulically movable rear door ramp, it can quickly switch between different missions. The ability to operate on rough and short runways thanks to the STOL feature provides the aircraft with high operational flexibility.

The above photograph, taken on 30 June 2022 at Konya 3rd Main Jet Base, shows a CASA CN-235-100 light transport aircraft. The photograph was taken by Czech photographer Radim Koblížka.

CN-235-100 aircraft in the Turkish Air Force inventory serve as a tactical complement to the C-130 Hercules aircraft used in strategic and tactical air transport missions. Due to the cargo compartment of the C-130s, which is optimised for large and heavy loads, it is effectively used in tactical air transport missions where C-130s are not economically viable and smaller loads and personnel need to be transported. By extending the life of the C-130 fleet, maintenance costs are reduced and the operational availability of the fleet is increased more effectively.

A comprehensive modernisation project has been initiated for the CN-235-100 aircraft in the Turkish Armed Forces inventory in order to ensure that they comply with today's evolving air traffic management standards and maximise flight safety. Within the scope of this project, air traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), identification system (IFF Mod 5S), automatic connected surveillance-broadcast system (ADS-B OUT) and advanced GPS-based navigation systems will be integrated to these aircraft. With the successful completion of the prototype application and the positive results of the test flights, serial modernisation activities have started as of August 2021. In this way, it is aimed to bring the entire fleet to modern standards.

After the CN-235-100, it will now be the turn of the C-130 Hercules, which has an important place in the fleet of the Turkish Air Force. In Part 2, we will focus on the C-130 Hercules. Hope to meet you again in Part 2.

https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article

https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/2024-world-air-forces-directory/156008.article

https://www.tayyareci.com/v2/digerucaklar/turkiye/1951ve2006/cn235casa.asp.html

https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/CASA_CN_235

https://www.defenceturkey.com/tr/icerik/cn235-aviyonik-modernizasyon-projesi-ve-2-nci-hbfm-4946

https://wnyskydiving.com/blog/what-is-halo-jumping/