An important step has been taken to strengthen the disaster and emergency capacity of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Operating on the Near East University campus, GÜNSEL Engineering Solutions, belonging to the TRNC Civil Defence Organization (SSTB) By completing the design, production and implementation of the superstructures of 7 search and rescue vehicles delivered ready for use. This project stands out as a significant engineering achievement demonstrating the domestic production capabilities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Delivery Ceremony and Participants
The handover ceremony held at GÜNSEL Production Facilities was attended by the TRNC President Ersin Tatar, President of the TRNC Civil Defense Organization Attila Karaca, will take office as the new President of SSTB Hakan Balaban and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Organization Prof. Dr. Irfan Suat GünselIn addition to GÜNSEL engineers and Civil Defense Organization employees, who signed off on the project, attended the ceremony. Representatives of the Cyprus Search and Rescue Association (KARK) and the Natural Disaster Search and Rescue Association (DAAK) were also present at the ceremony.
A Completely Local and Original Solution
By GÜNSEL engineers, SSTB Toyota Tundra brand vehicles The special superstructures, developed for integration, were completed with the aim of increasing the Civil Defense Organization's operational capacity in natural disaster, search and rescue, and challenging field missions. Completed by GÜNSEL Engineering Solutions, the project stands out as a significant engineering achievement, demonstrating the effective role that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus's domestic production capabilities can play in enhancing the service capacity of strategic public institutions.
The project, which was initially planned to be carried out with an American company, was realised with the engineering power of the Near East University. Within the borders of the TRNC, with local resources and in an original way As a result of a comprehensive analysis and planning process conducted with the TRNC Civil Defense Organization, GÜNSEL engineers developed a design optimized for the organization's specific needs.
The superstructures stand out with their many innovative features, including shelving systems that provide quick access to equipment, concealed lighting, inverter-supported energy solutions, a special T-slide mechanism, and a roof basket. GÜNSEL engineers designed the SSTB-specific design. with “tailor-made” special design Aluminum was used in the project, ensuring both lightness and durability while maximizing functionality within the vehicle's carrying capacity.
Production Success at Mass Production Standards
In the project completed by GÜNSEL engineers, advanced production technologies were used throughout the design and production process. Precise cuts with Flow Mach3 waterjet technology Durability was maximized with high-strength welding systems. Thanks to the systematic and repeatable production structure implemented throughout the project, mass production quality vehicles The presentation of the first prototype to the public at the Republic Day parade held on November 15, the anniversary of the TRNC's founding, carried a special significance.
Delivery of the sixth vehicle was completed in June, and the final vehicle of the project was officially handed over at a ceremony, marking the successful conclusion of the process. Following the ceremony, the delivered vehicles formed a procession on the Near East University campus, creating impressive displays.
President Ersin Tatar: “GÜNSEL engineers determine, design and produce the technological needs of the TRNC.”
Stating that a great success was witnessed both locally and nationally, the President said Ersin Tatar"Years ago, it was difficult to even imagine that such a technological marvel would come to fruition in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. But today, we have succeeded in standing together as one," he said.
Referring to TEKNOFEST, which took place in the TRNC in May, President Ersin Tatar said, “Mr. Selçuk Bayraktar’s speech at that event deeply impressed me. He had said, ‘We will transform the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus into an IT island in the coming period.’ Yet, I see here today that we have already made significant progress in terms of technological transformation thanks to the work carried out at our universities, especially at Near East University and GÜNSEL, thanks to the efforts of you, our valued engineers.”
President Ersin Tatar emphasized that GÜNSEL, in addition to the electric cars it develops, represents a vision that identifies, designs, manufactures, and implements the technological needs of the TRNC. He said, “As part of this vision, our Civil Defense Organization is equipped with next-generation search and rescue vehicles to respond more effectively to disasters and emergencies. I congratulate this achievement achieved by GÜNSEL engineering and wholeheartedly congratulate everyone involved.” Addressing the GÜNSEL engineers in his speech, President Tatar said, “I wholeheartedly believe that with our self-belief, our desire, and our determination, we will achieve even greater success. I congratulate you all.”
Atilla Karaca: “It is very important for us that this solution was developed with domestic resources.”
President of the TRNC Civil Defense Organization Attila Karaca Karaca emphasized that the vehicles received will make significant contributions to the institution, stating that these vehicles "can operate anytime, anywhere, have superior mobility, and enable safe missions in all terrains and weather conditions." Karaca stated, "As a university country, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is taking firm steps toward becoming one of the world's technology hubs, as a result of this necessity." He thanked Near East University and GÜNSEL engineers for their dedicated work.
Atilla Karaca emphasized that the new vehicles have increased the equipment's power, saying, "The upper equipment integrated into these vehicles, manufactured at GÜNSEL in line with our Presidency's needs, consists entirely of equipment powered by a charging unit, replacing traditional generator-powered vehicles that require fuel and hydraulic systems. With this innovation, our mobility in the incident area has increased; thanks to high-efficiency engines and battery systems, each of our equipment units now has uninterrupted access to the electrical energy it needs, anytime, anywhere."
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “This project is a strong indicator of the TRNC’s production power, technological competence, and self-sufficiency goal.”
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Organization Prof. Dr. Irfan Suat GünselIn his statement at the handover ceremony, Prof. Dr. Günsel emphasized the engineering prowess of Near East University and GÜNSEL Engineering Solutions. Prof. Dr. Günsel said, “It is a source of great pride for us to respond to the needs of a strategically important institution like the Civil Defense Organization with entirely domestic and original solutions.” Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel stated, “This project, bearing the signature of our engineers, once again demonstrates the engineering capabilities of Near East University and GÜNSEL, which they have proven by developing an electric vehicle.” He added, “As Near East University and GÜNSEL, we produce technology and solutions in these lands. Our greatest goal is to expand our country's domestic production capacity and make it sustainable.”
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel thanked the TRNC Civil Defense Organization and the GÜNSEL engineers who contributed to the project, saying, "This project, bearing the signature of our engineers, is not only an engineering achievement; it is also a strong indicator of the TRNC's production power, technological competence, and self-sufficiency goal."
