Turkish light attack aircraft TAI Hürjet left the hangar for the first time - the aircraft will be used for training of F-35 and TAI-TF-X pilots

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) continues to work on the Hürjet light attack aircraft. It will be used for pilot training.

Here's What We Know

The training aircraft recently left the hangar for the first time. It was taken through the Turkish company's factory, where it still has to undergo a series of tests. The first flight is scheduled for March 2023.

TAI Hürjet is designed for two pilots. The aircraft is equipped with the F404-GE-102 turbofan engine, which has a thrust of 79 kN. The attack aircraft will have a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 (1715 km/h), a range of over 2200 km and a practical ceiling of 13.7 km.

The attack aircraft will replace the old Northrop T-38 Talon and Northrop F-5. It will be used for training pilots F-35 Lightning II and TAI TF-X. Of course, a combat version will also be envisioned.

As you understood, Turkey is still counting on getting American F-35 Lightning II fifth generation fighters specifically for the TCG Anadolu aircraft carrier. Although Ankara was excluded from the aircraft development program after the purchase of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems.

TF-X is a Turkish project. The fifth-generation fighter is being developed by TAI itself. The company plans to build the first aircraft by 2028 and start producing two units a month starting in 2029.

Source: @SavunmaSanayiST