The Turkish light attack aircraft TAI Hürjet left the hangar for the first time
The aircraft will be used to train F-35 and TAI-TF-X pilots
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) continues work on the Hürjet light attack aircraft. It will be used for pilot training.
Recently, the training aircraft left the hangar for the first time. He was taken through the territory of the Turkish company’s factory, where he still has to undergo a series of tests. The first flight is scheduled for March 2023.
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TAI Hürjet is designed for two pilots. The aircraft is equipped with a F404-GE-102 turbofan engine, which develops a thrust of 79 kN. The maximum speed of the attack aircraft will be Mach 1.4 (1,715 km/h), the range is more than 2,200 km, and the practical ceiling is 13.7 km.
The attack aircraft will replace the old Northrop T-38 Talon and Northrop F-5 aircraft. It will be used to train F-35 Lightning II and TAI TF-X pilots. Of course, the combat version will also be provided.
As you understand, Turkey is still counting on receiving the fifth-generation American F-35 Lightning II fighters specifically for the TCG Anadolu aircraft carrier. Although Ankara was excluded from the aircraft development program after the purchase of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.
TF-X is a Turkish project. The fifth generation fighter is being developed by TAI itself. The company plans to create the first aircraft by 2028 and start producing two units per month starting in 2029.
