Türkiye’s TEI completes 54 successful tests for TF6000 engine

Turkish engine maker TEI General Manager Mahmut Aksit reported at the IDEF2025 meeting that the TEI TF6000 engine has undergone 54 successful tests, and work on the TF10000 engine is still ongoing.

In an interview with a Turkish media outlet, Aksit emphasized the significance of the IDEF fair for TEI. He described IDEF as a major platform that introduces and markets Türkiye’s national defense technologies to the world.

Aksit noted that significant progress has been made with the TF6000 engine but mentioned that details about the TF10000 engine are limited at this stage, although work on it has begun.

TEI’s development approach, timeline

Aksit explained TEI is working as quickly as possible to achieve results in the shortest time frame. He highlighted that fifth-generation fighter jet engines of this scale are not expected to be available worldwide before 10-15 years.

For example, the Eurofighter engine is much smaller and less advanced than the engine that TEI is developing. While the Eurofighter engine took 17 years to develop, Aksit did not claim that the same timeline would apply to TEI’s project.

He acknowledged that the state expects results in a much shorter period, which is why there may be questions about the lack of visible progress early on. He assured that the team is working efficiently without rushing and is benefiting from the experience gained with previous engines.

Export achievements, future goals

Aksit also reported the completion of 54 successful tests since the activation of the TF6000 engine in February. Following connections made at the previous IDEF, TEI achieved its first export.

The goal for the next IDEF is to secure new export agreements, provided everything proceeds smoothly. He clarified the engine is not a finished product but a component for an aircraft, making its export somewhat more difficult than exporting the aircraft itself. Only UAV and helicopter manufacturers can purchase the engine, whereas TEI and Baykar can export their finished products to any country.

Aksit pointed out that Baykar’s export of the TB-3 would include TEI’s engines. The purchasing country would then be required to obtain TEI’s products for engine maintenance, repairs and replacements as needed while the aircraft remains in service.

TEI TF6000

TEI developed the TF6000 turbofan engine, which delivers a thrust of 6,000 lbf (26.7 kN) with no need for an afterburner. Designing this engine primarily aims to gain experience in developing a domestic engine for the National Combat Aircraft, a project involving both local and national capabilities.

The core of this engine is also intended to be used in various unmanned and manned aircraft, helicopters, private jets, and other platforms through planned derivatives.

The TF10000, a version of the engine with an afterburner, will achieve higher thrust with the addition of the afterburner. On March 9, 2024, the TEI TF6000 saw its first activation.

Technical Specifications:

• Dry Thrust (SLS, ISA): 6,000 lbf
• Dimensions (width x height x length): 860 x 1,100 x 2,250 mm
• Bypass ratio (SLS, ISA): 1.08
• Specific Fuel Consumption (lbf/lbs.h): 0.70

Configuration:

• Fan: 2-stage axial
• Compressor: 6-stage axial
• Turbine: 1-stage HPT- 1-stage LPT
• Combustor: Through Flow

TEI TF10000

TEI is developing the TEI-TF10000 turbofan engine, Türkiye’s first domestic design with an afterburner, providing 10,000 lbf of thrust (6,000 lbf dry thrust). This project is critical to addressing national needs and advancing technology for the National Combat Aircraft KAAN.

The TEI-TF10000 is designed to power various manned and unmanned aviation platforms. This project will see Türkiye’s first afterburner-equipped turbofan engine and related critical technologies developed domestically. Additionally, local companies will develop engine accessories and subsystems, aiming to build expertise and experience within TEI and its subcontractors.

Technical specifications:

• Thrust (SLS, ISA): 6,000 lbf (dry) / 10,000 lbf (wet)
• Dimensions (width x height x length): 870 x 1,150 x 3,150 mm
• Bypass ratio (SLS, ISA): 1.08

Configuration:

• Fan: 2-stage axial
• Compressor: 6-stage axial
• Turbine: 1-stage HPT- 1-stage LPT
• Combustor: Straight flow type
• Afterburner: Included