Turkey’s Own Cruise Missile Makes First Flight

Turkey has designed and test-flown an air-launched cruise missile.

Turkey’s own cruise missile, the SOM, on its way to the target after launch from an F-4E Phantom last month. (Photo: Tubitak-SAGE)

By Chris Pocock • Defense Correspondent

September 19, 2011

Turkey has designed and test-flown an air-launched cruise missile. The stand-off missile (SOM) was launched from a Turkish Air Force F-4E Phantom on August 9. It flew for more than 100 nm before hitting its target “with high accuracy,” according to Tubitak-SAGE, the state-owned Defence Industries Research and Development Institute. First revealed at the Turkish Air Force 100th anniversary airshow last June, the SOM made its international debut last week when a full-scale model was displayed at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEi) event in London.

Powered by a Microturbo TR40 turbojet, the SOM was designed to Turkish Air Force (TAF) specifications, and has a similar configuration to the LFK Taurus and MBDA Scalp/Storm Shadow missiles. But it is smaller, with a length of just under 12 feet and a weight of 1,300 pounds. It will also be carried by the TAF’s F-16s, and certification is scheduled for the end of 2012. Turkey is an international partner for the F-35, and has already discussed integration of the SOM on the Joint Strike Fighter with the Joint Program Office in Washington. A fit check by Lockheed Martin confirmed that the SOM can be carried internally by the F-35, if the tail fins are folded.

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