Could you please provide a brief introduction to Alp Aviation and its role in aerospace and defense projects?

Alp Aviation is a company established in 1998 by the Turkish Alpata Group, which had a considerable footprint in various sectors in Eskisehir, an important center of military aerospace in Turkey. The aerospace sector had been on their radar even before Alp Aviation was established. The turning point in Alp’s history came after the group’s partnership with the Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. in a joint venture, which took effect in 2000. Soon after this, Alp became an approved flight-safety part source for Sikorsky, joined the F-35 program, and invested in the engine-rotating parts business. ALP also became a partner in the Boeing 787 program in 2008, received government approval as a research and development (R&D) center, and expanded into aftermarket operations in 2013.

Today, Alp is a key supplier of flight-safety components, complex rotating parts and assemblies, and a world-class center of excellence for titanium and nickel machining and processing, in addition to aluminum and steel, with magnesium lines to be operational in the near future. Alp invests 3.8% of its revenue into R&D and has made strategic investments in engineering, tooling, special process applications, testing, laboratory infrastructure, and cutting tool development, making Alp a vertically integrated organization.

What is the importance of international markets to Alp Aviation?

International markets are crucial to Alp Aviation as over 90% of their sales come from exports, not only to Sikorsky, as their sales to Sikorsky account now for less than 35% of their turnover. Alp’s goal is to partner with key original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in high-volume and promising programs with their strategic goods and services, which they have achieved so far. Alp’s international activity includes, but is not limited to, the significant work share in U.S. Blackhawk programs, involvement as the only non-U.S. partner of Goodrich LG (now UTAS Landing Gear) on the F-22 program, partnering on R&D with P&W on the F-135 Nickel integrally bladed rotors, and supply to Pratt & Whitney of key rotating components for the new generation gear turbofan engine. Alp has also evolved to become one of the top two subcontractors for UTAS Landing Gear in the JSF program in dollar terms over the last decade, and is a major global source for Sikorsky Machine & Transmission Centers. These projects demonstrate the significance of international markets for Alp and their success in sustaining long-term relationships with large OEMs.

With new models like the Chinese stealth Z-20 and Turkey’s General Utility Helicopter, what trends do you see in new helicopter technologies and models?

As a key instrument for militaries globally, the standard design for helicopters has not changed significantly over the last five decades. The basic flight technologies have remained the same while electronics and power systems have improved. This is slowly changing, with a new generation of radically designed helicopters. New generation helicopters such as Sikorsky’s X2 can fly higher and/or faster than ever before, with or without a pilot.

What role will Alp Aviation play in the future of the Turkish aerospace and defense industry?

Alp Aviation aims to participate as a design and manufacture partner in indigenous aircraft programs in both military and civilian sectors in Turkey. They are prepared to play an important role, particularly for landing gears and transmission systems. The company is also investing in niche technologies and best-selling military and commercial programs, including newer aircraft programs such as the F-35, Boeing 787, Airbus 380, and P&W NGPF.