Türkiye’s New Aircraft Carrier to Reach New York Without Refueling

Türkiye’s upcoming national aircraft carrier is set to have the capability to travel an impressive 10,000 nautical miles, enabling it to journey from Istanbul to New York without the need for refueling. This significant advancement was announced during the maritime segment of Türkiye’s leading technology festival, TEKNOFEST, held at the Istanbul Shipyard Command.

Lieutenant Commander Aykut Demirezen revealed that the vessel’s engine was specifically chosen to support this extensive cruising range. The four-day event, themed “Blue Homeland,” is open to the public from August 29 to 31, 2023. Anadolu serves as the global communication partner for this festival, showcasing Türkiye’s commitment to technological innovation in maritime defense.

In addition to its long-range capabilities, the new aircraft carrier incorporates advanced design features. This includes a comprehensive auxiliary propulsion system, which is crucial for its operational efficiency. The development team has also prioritized safety, implementing chemical, biological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense systems to safeguard crew members from potential threats.

Power and Infrastructure Innovations

The carrier’s electrical infrastructure has been meticulously designed to support a variety of onboard systems. Lieutenant Commander Burhan Savran discussed the power requirements, noting that the carrier features a generator capacity that can supply power to essential systems, including lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), communications, and weaponry.

“We calculated the required generator capacity and number by performing load and power analysis to ensure that all these loads can be supplied redundantly,” Savran stated. The carrier’s installed power can reach up to 40 megawatts, a capacity that could theoretically power approximately 3,000 homes simultaneously.

This new aircraft carrier is part of a broader initiative by Türkiye to enhance its naval capabilities. Following the successful development of the drone-equipped amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed plans to build a larger, more advanced vessel that will further strengthen the country’s maritime defense strategy.

As Türkiye continues to invest in its naval technology, this aircraft carrier represents a significant leap forward, showcasing the nation’s ambition to play a more prominent role in global maritime operations.