Channels for developing teaching and learning collaborations and creating joint R&D projects between Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU) and TUSAS (Turkish Aerospace Industries) were introduced at the “R&D and University-Industry Cooperation in the Aviation Sector” programme, jointly organised by HKU’s Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Aviation and Aerospace Sciences.

The programme, hosted by HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Turkay Dereli, featured detailed presentations from TUSAS Academy President Prof. Dr. Ahmet Pinarbasi, TUSAS R&D and Technology Director Prof. Dr. Erdal Celik, and TUSAS University Relations Manager Dr. Suleyman Demir, who shared insights on the projects and work undertaken in their areas of responsibility and the significant opportunities offered by TUSAS.

Held at the HKU Law Auditorium, the programme was attended by HKU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Lutfi Yola, Dean of the Faculty of Aviation and Aerospace Sciences Prof. Dr. Fatih Hasoglu, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Hanifi Aslan, Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Sener Buyukozturk, TUSAS Vocational Training Specialist Rahime Kurnaz, academic staff and students.

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR STUDENTS AND ACADEMICS

Beginning his opening remarks by congratulating the TUSAS family and all its stakeholders for designing, developing and producing KAAN, the fifth-generation fighter jet that stands as a national and homegrown success story and a source of pride for the Turkish aviation sector, HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Turkay Dereli said: “Today we are crowning and institutionalising the relationship and cooperation efforts we have long been working to develop with TUSAS through the protocols we will sign. I wish them the best. Highly valuable internship and career opportunities are emerging for the students of our Faculty of Aviation and Aerospace Sciences, our Faculty of Engineering and our Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operatorship Department. In the same way, our faculty members will be able to make use of the R&D channels TUSAS has opened. We will also mobilise every available resource to host a TUSAS R&D Centre at HKU. It is our greatest hope that our academic staff and students will benefit to the maximum from the HKU-TUSAS cooperation. To that end, applications must be submitted on time and high-quality projects must be proposed.”

Beginning his speech by emphasising that Turkiye is one of just four countries producing a fifth-generation fighter jet, and outlining TUSAS’s work in aviation and space alongside its in-house “Engineer Development Programme”, TUSAS Academy President Prof. Dr. Ahmet Pinarbasi said: “I can proudly say that our National Combat Aircraft KAAN is the apple of our eye and is fully indigenous and national in every respect. We are pursuing our work with all our strength and continuing to develop ourselves. Through the cooperation we establish with universities, we strive to expand TUSAS’s R&D capacity, knowledge and experience. We want Hasan Kalyoncu University to be an important partner of TUSAS as well. We would like to see you among our partners through the cooperation we will undertake.”

Speaking about the work carried out at TUSAS as the R&D Directorate, the details of R&D processes, how an R&D effort comes about and how it is managed, and providing insights into how the technological roadmap is set and how R&D activities take shape, TUSAS R&D Director Prof. Dr. Erdal Celik said: “The collaborations we run with universities play an important role in bringing our projects to life. The prototyping process forms our starting stage; once the actual prototype is complete, our R&D team is heavily engaged. At this stage, additions and manufacturing processes play a critical role in our projects’ success and are managed meticulously at every step.”

TUSAS University Relations Manager Dr. Suleyman Demir then elaborated on TUSAS’s close cooperation with the worlds of education and science, conveying to students the various projects, career opportunities and academic collaborations being run with universities, with the aim of bringing qualified professionals into the sector. TUSAS Vocational Training Specialist Rahime Kurnaz also briefed students on internship opportunities at TUSAS.

Following the programme, which ended with a mutual presentation of plaques, TUSAS R&D and Technology Director Prof. Dr. Erdal Celik, TUSAS Academy President Prof. Dr. Ahmet Pinarbasi and TUSAS University Relations Manager Dr. Suleyman Demir paid a courtesy visit to HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Turkay Dereli at his office. After the visit, bilateral cooperation agreements between Hasan Kalyoncu University and TUSAS were signed in the senate hall.