Deal signed for serial production of Turkish airplane Hürkuş

WASHINGTON - Agence France-Presse

Undersecretary for Defense Industries (SSM) Murad Bayar is seen. AA photo

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has inked a deal for the serial production of the domestic basic trainer aircraft, Hürkuş.

“There are four of Hürkuş’s kind in the world, and it will enter the market as their rival,” Undersecretary for Defense Industries (SSM) Murad Bayar said at a signature ceremony held on Dec. 26.

TAI has been manufacturing four prototypes of the Hürkuş, which is scheduled to have its maiden flight next year for a round of tests. Yesterday’s deal was signed for the Hürkuş-B.

The Hürkuş-B is an advanced version with integrated avionics including a mission computer and a cockpit avionics layout similar to F-16 and F-35 fighters. The Turkish Army is considering an initial order for 15 aircraft.

Bayar said the Hürkuş-C, an armed version for the close-air support role, would have a maximum weapons load of 3,300 pounds and would be the next system set for production.