ASELSAN is set to showcase its cutting-edge products and solutions at the upcoming EUROSATORY 2024, taking place from June 17-21. The centerpiece of ASELSAN’s exhibit will be the KORKUT Air Defense Gun System, making its international debut in a new configuration mounted on an 8×8 vehicle. Already operational within the Turkish Armed Forces in a tracked vehicle format, the KORKUT system can be adapted to meet a variety of operational needs. The Weapon System Vehicle and Command-and-Control Vehicle configurations designed under the Korkut Project are based on the FNSS ACV-30 and is fully amphibious and have the capability of propelling themselves in deep water and rivers. This flexibility allows it to function in stationary positions, or mounted on either tracked or 8×8 wheeled vehicles, enhancing its operational effectiveness across various terrains and challenging environments.
Each weapon platform carries a twin 2×35 mm Oerlikon KDC-02 cannon, manufactured under licence by MKEK. The cannons can fire different types of 35×228 mm ammunitions including Aselsan made ATOM 35mm airburst ammunition. ATOM 35mm airburst ammunition ejects tungsten pellets at a predetermined distance. It is a smart ammunition which has a base fuse. Together with the ability of precise time counting and the capability of being programmed during firing by taking muzzle velocity into consideration automatically sets the fuse to detonate the round as it approaches a pre-set distance from the target. Whilst a single pellet is too small to do major damage in itself, the accumulation of damage from multiple strikes is designed to destroy wings and control surfaces, sensors and aerodynamics, causing the target to crash. The ammunition is resistant against electromagnetic jamming.
Key features of the KORKUT Air Defense Gun System include a twin-barrel 35 mm gun turret with a firing rate of 2 x 550 rounds per minute. A standout component of the KORKUT system is its Automatic Linkless Ammunition Feed Mechanism (ALAFM). This mechanism allows the system to load two different types of ammunition simultaneously and switch between them in less than 15 seconds, providing tactical flexibility in combat situations. The stabilised gun turret ensures accurate target tracking and firing on the move, with an integrated tracking platform that includes a tracking radar and electro-optical (E/O) sensors for automatic target acquisition and tracking. It features a stabilised, unmanned gun turret capable of firing while in motion.
Additionally, the KORKUT system’s Command and Control Vehicle enhances its operational capabilities. It is equipped with a 3D search radar for target acquisition and tracking, advanced threat evaluation and weapon assignment algorithms, an integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, and the capability to coordinate with higher echelon command and control (C2) units. The command and control vehicle has an effective radar range of 70 km. The KORKUT system is an air defense solution designed to provide comprehensive protection for mobile units and mechanised troops.
