Turkey begins testing the prototype of its first TF-X fighter

TUSAŞ has begun testing the prototype of Turkey's first TF-X fighter jet.

Here's What We Know

Information shared by local publication savunmasanayist. It is still a ground test. The aircraft left the hangar and drove on the runway on March 16. During the tests, it was possible to check the performance of the aircraft's jet engines. TUSAŞ does not say when the first flight of the TF-X will take place. Presumably, it will happen as early as this year.

Flashback

The TF-X is a draft of Turkey's first fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The aircraft is being developed by aerospace company Türk Havacılık ve Uzay Sanayii (TUSAŞ). The fighter's design was unveiled at the DEF-2013 exhibition in Istanbul. It has three versions, as well as single- and twin-engine versions. By the way, they are supplied by General Electric. The aircraft will also receive ASELSAN radars.

If everything goes according to plan, the aircraft will be completed in the next few years and will be put into service in Turkey in 2030. By the way, the TF-X should become a replacement for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The aircraft will be operated together with F-35 Lightning II.

Source: savunmasanayist