Turkish Aerospace Industries Rolls Out Hurjet Advanced Trainer and Light Combat Aircraft

Turkish domestically produced supersonic advanced trainer and light combat aircraft, Hurjet, turned on its engine for the first time. The first flight of the aircraft is planned for 18 March 2023. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), which is developing the aircraft, stated that four prototypes will be built first and then used during the flight tests. The company aim to build six to seven aircraft in the first year in the mass production phase and to produce two aircraft per month and 24 aircraft per year starting the next year. After 2025, two Hürjets will leave the hangar and will be delivered to the customer every month.

The TAI Hurjet is a single-engine, tandem seat, supersonic advanced trainer and light combat aircraft, under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The Turkish Air Force intends to use the design to replace the Northrop T-38 Talon in the trainer role and also to supplement the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon for close air support. The aircraft is also planned to replace the Northrop F-5 used by the Turkish Stars aerobatic team. A naval version of the aircraft may also be developed. The company also plans to pursue export orders to countries looking to replace older trainer and ground attack aircraft.

The project was initiated by TAI in August 2017 using its own financial resources. A mock-up was displayed at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow. On 22 July 2018 the Turkish Under-secretariat for Defence Industries announced that the Turkish Air Force had signed an agreement with TAI, giving the project official status to move development forward. Turkey has invited Malaysia to join the Hürjet project, in the role of producing some parts for the aircraft. While Malaysia has some experience developing composite materials, it has never designed and built any aircraft.

Hurjet will be supplied with superior radar and sensitive attack systems, and with air and ground communication capabilities, reducing threats and risks. The advanced jet’s maximum altitude is set at 45,000 feet (14 kilometers), along with its 3,000-kilogram (6,600-pound) payload and a maximum speed of Mach 1.2. Hurjet will be 13.4 meters (43 feet) long with a wingspan of 11 meters and will provide environmental security in offensive operations. Capabilities are planned to include air-to-air refuelling, fly-by-wire with parameter limiting, built in auxiliary power unit, night vision goggle-compatible cockpit, head-up display and an integrated helmet display system.