Simulation Center including Türkiye's First 360 Degree Motion Capable Simulators, Launched with a Ceremony
November 4, 2024
The Simulation Center, established in collaboration with Balıkesir University and MRS, featuring Türkiye's first simulator with 360-degree motion capability, was officially opened with a launch ceremony. Following the opening, nine new research and development and innovation products were introduced. The event, held at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Balıkesir University, showcased the first 360-degree simulator in Türkiye, developed through the collaboration between Balıkesir University Technology Transfer Office Inc. and MRS, to protocol members and the press.
Distinguished Attendees
The launch event was attended by Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Brig. Gen. Nurettin Alkan, Garrison and 9th Main Jet Base Commander Brig. Gen. Cenk Al, MSÜ Army Officer Vocational School Commander Brig. Gen. İsmail Analı, General Manager of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation Bilal Topçu, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Boz, Karesi District Governor Metin Arslanbaş, Provincial Police Chief Hasan Yiğit, AK Party Balıkesir Provincial Chairman Mehmet Aydemir, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Cevdet Avcıkurt, Director of the Provincial Directorate of Science, Industry, and Technology Mehmet Ali Aşuk, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of İŞBİR Inc. Mesut Eray, deans, directors, protocol members, BAÜN General Secretary Yemliha Yanar, MRS officials, BAÜN TTO Inc. General Manager Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatmagül Tolun, BAÜN TTO and BAÜN Technopolis officials, and university staff.
Opening Ceremony
The event began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem. During the opening speech, Dr. Lecturer Aytekin Ulutaş, Technology Leader at MRS and an academic at Balıkesir University Edremit Civil Aviation Vocational School, provided information about the simulation center and the new products developed through university-industry cooperation.
Defense Industry Insights
General Manager of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, Bilal Topçu, also gave a speech at the event, sharing insights on Türkiye's achievements in the defense industry and its international success. He highlighted the importance of domestic and national projects carried out by public institutions, private sector companies, universities, and entrepreneurs in the growth and development of the defense industry. Topçu condemned the terrorist attack aimed at TUSAŞ in Ankara and expressed support for all steps taken to advance the national defense industry.
Rector's Vision
Balıkesir University Rector Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu emphasized that Türkiye is at a crucial turning point for the future of the country. He expressed hopes that the indigenous simulation technologies developed through the collaboration between Balıkesir University Technology Transfer Office and MRS would be beneficial for the country. Rector Oğurlu stated that simulation technologies are of critical importance in aviation, defense, and many other sectors, saying, "We are taking an important step to break this dependency and strengthen our country's technological independence by developing our own technology. It is also a source of pride that this technology is attracting global interest." He thanked those involved in the establishment of the center and the protocol members attending the program.
Governor's Remarks
Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu, in his speech, drew attention to the value of domestic and national technology and production, stating that it was inspiring to witness the actions of firms that contribute to the workforce, create jobs, and produce. He highlighted that in recent years, Türkiye has raised its success bar in the economy, production, industry, and trade with its domestic and national technologies, and pointed out that among the key architects of this success are the companies under the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and local entrepreneurs. Governor Ustaoğlu concluded his speech with wishes for the success of the project.
Event Conclusion
After the opening speeches, the program continued with the presentation of a plaque from Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu to Bilal Topçu, General Manager of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, the official opening of the Simulation Center, and product introductions. Visitors at the event had the opportunity to closely examine products related to defense, aviation, promotion, and entertainment sectors. The event concluded with a cocktail reception.