SSB Launches New R&D Projects

SSB Launches New R&D Projects The 8th Defense Industry R&D Panels was held at the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB). As a result of the SSB 8th R&D Panel meeting, a decision was made to launch 9 projects and to issue a Broad Call (SAGA) in 1 area. In addition to the Presidency of Defense Industries, the R&D Panels include representatives from the Ministry of National Defense and the Turkish Armed Forces, as well as academics involved in the projects as members. At the eighth panel held, a decision was made to launch 9 projects. The projects emphasize SME-Industry-University cooperation, with universities, institutes and SMEs serving as contractors or subcontractors in the projects.

49 Projects Launched Through R&D Panels to Date

The first of the Defense Industry R&D Panels took place in 2016. As a result of the R&D panels held eight times so far, a decision was made to launch a total of 49 projects and to issue a Defense Industry Broad Call (SAGA) in 20 areas. Prof. Dr. İsmail Demir, President of the Presidency of Defense Industries, made a statement on the subject and noted that a total of 119 completed and ongoing R&D projects have incurred TRY 4.1 billion in expenditures, stating that they are conducting these projects together with universities, companies, research institutions and institutes. Pointing out that twenty years ago, R&D expenditures in the defense industry did not even reach USD 50 million per year, whereas today it exceeds USD 1.25 billion annually, Demir said, "We will continue on our path toward the goal of a fully independent defense industry without compromising on our work in R&D and technology."

Decision Made to Launch 9 Projects

As a result of the SSB 8th R&D panels, a decision was made to launch 9 projects. Among these projects are the Development of Laser Metal Powder Fusion Process for Ceramic-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite Materials and the Development of High-Temperature Eutectic Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites projects.

Decision Made to Launch Projects Aimed at Composite Development

The Development of Laser Metal Powder Fusion Process for Ceramic-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite Materials Project aims to improve wear resistance, high-temperature strength and mechanical strength properties in gas turbine aircraft engine components through the preparation of metal matrix composite powders with different compositions suitable for additive manufacturing technology and the development of the additive manufacturing process utilizing these powders. The Development of High-Temperature Eutectic Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites Project targets the development of eutectic oxide ceramic matrix composite materials that could serve as an alternative to nickel-based superalloys in the production of high-temperature turbine components in gas turbine aircraft engines, the execution of experimental design for different compositions and reinforcement materials, production as semi-finished ingots and characterization.