Seven search and rescue vehicles belonging to the TRNC Civil Defense Organization, of which superstructures were completed by GÜNSEL engineers, have been delivered ready for use. The project stands out as a significant engineering achievement demonstrating the domestic production capabilities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
A significant step has been taken to strengthen the disaster and emergency capacity of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. GÜNSEL Engineering Solutions, operating on the Near East University campus, has completed the design, production, and implementation of the superstructures for seven search and rescue vehicles belonging to the TRNC Civil Defense Organization (TCDO), and delivered them ready for use.
The delivery ceremony held at the GÜNSEL Production Facilities was attended by President Ersin Tatar, TRNC Civil Defense Organization President Atilla Karaca, TCDO incoming President Hakan Balaban, and Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. In addition to İrfan Suat Günsel, GÜNSEL engineers and Civil Defense Organization staff who signed off on the project were ready at the ceremony. Representatives from the Cyprus Search and Rescue Association (CSRA) and the Natural Disaster Search and Rescue Association (NDSRA) were also present at the ceremony.
A Completely Domestic and Original Solution
The special superstructures developed by GÜNSEL engineers for integration into TCDO’s Toyota Tundra vehicles were completed with the aim of increasing the Civil Defense Organization’s operational capacity in natural disasters, 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.
Initially planned to be carried out with an American company, the project was implemented within the TRNC by using domestic resources and a unique approach and the engineering expertise of Near East University. Following 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 numerous innovative features, including shelving systems that provide quick access to equipment, concealed lighting, inverter-powered energy solutions, a special T-slide mechanism, and a roof basket. The project, which was brought to life with a “tailor-made” design tailored to the TCDO’s needs, utilized aluminum. This achieved both lightweight and durability, while maximizing functionality within the vehicle’s carrying capacity.
Production Success at Mass Production Standards
The project, completed by GÜNSEL engineers, utilized advanced production technologies throughout the design and production processes. Precise cuts were made with Flow Mach3 waterjet technology, while high-strength welding systems maximized durability. Thanks to the systematic and repeatable production structure implemented throughout the project, vehicles with mass production quality were produced. The presentation of the first prototype to the public at the Republic Day parade held on November 15th, the anniversary of the TRNC’s founding, was particularly significant.
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.
Ersin Tatar: “GÜNSEL engineers are representatives of a vision that identifies, designs, produces, and delivers the technological needs of the TRNC.”
President Ersin Tatar stated that a major domestic and national achievement had been witnessed, saying, “Years ago, it was difficult to even imagine that such a technological marvel would be realized in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. However, today, we have succeeded in uniting all of us.”
Referring to TEKNOFEST, held 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 island of informatics in the coming period.’ Yet, I see here today that, thanks to the work carried out at our universities, and especially to the efforts of our esteemed engineers at Near East University and GÜNSEL, we have already made significant progress in terms of technological transformation.”
Emphasizing that GÜNSEL, in addition to the electric cars it develops, represents a vision that identifies, designs, produces, and implements the technological needs of the TRNC, President Ersin Tatar 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. The engineering of GÜNSEL is a key element of this.”
President Ersin Tatar emphasized that GÜNSEL, in addition to the electric cars it develops, represents a vision that identifies, designs, produces, 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 Ersin 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.”
Atilla Karaca, Head of the TRNC Civil Defense Organization, 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 the safe execution of missions in all terrains and weather conditions.” Karaca said, “As a university country, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is taking firm steps towards 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.
Emphasizing that the equipment has become more powerful with the new vehicles, Atilla Karaca also said, “The upper equipment integrated into these vehicles, manufactured at GÜNSEL in line with the needs of our Department, consists entirely of charging unit-powered equipment, replacing traditional generator-powered vehicles that require fuel and hydraulic systems. With this innovation, our mobility in the incident area has increased. “Thanks to our highly efficient motors and battery systems, each of our equipment has the ability to access the electrical energy it needs, anytime, anywhere, without interruption.”
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said: “This project, bearing the signature of our engineers, is not only an engineering achievement, it is a strong demonstration of the TRNC’s production power, technological competence, and self-sufficiency goal.”
In his statement at the handover ceremony, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises, emphasized the engineering powers of Near East University and GÜNSEL Engineering Solutions. Prof. Dr. Günsel said, “It is a source of great pride for us to meet the needs of a strategically important institution like the Civil Defense Organization with entirely domestic and original solutions. This project, bearing the signature of our engineers, once again demonstrates the engineering capabilities of Near East University and GÜNSEL, which they demonstrated by developing an electric vehicle.” He continued, “As Near East University and GÜNSEL, we produce technology and solutions in these lands. Our greatest goal is to expand and sustain our country’s domestic production capacity.”
Prof. Dr. 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 just an engineering achievement. It is a strong indicator of the TRNC’s production power, technological competence and self-sufficiency goal.”
