Turkish firm shows off Hürjet light-attack mock-up at key int’l airshow

LONDON

A prototype for Turkey’s jet trainer/light attack aircraft has been exhibited for the first time at an international fair this week.

The Hürjet aircraft prototype, a fruit of an advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft project launched last year by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is on display at the weeklong Farnborough Airshow, which started in the U.K. on July 16.

The aircraft is expected to make its first flight in 2023 — Turkey’s centennial.

According to a TAI statement, which was released ahead of the airshow, there will be an eagle figure — a longtime symbol of the Turkish nation and Turkish Air Force — on the tail of the Hürjet, which will be exhibited at the fair with digital camouflage and domestically produced ammunition.

Hürjet, designed with the goal of 5th-generation training aircraft, will be equipped with an advanced mission computer in its modern cockpit. The aircraft will also be supplied with superior radar and sensitive attack systems, and with its air and ground communication capabilities it will reduce threats and risks.

Hürjet will be 13.4 meters long with a wingspan of 11 meters, and it will provide environmental security in offensive operations.

As noted on TAI’s website, the main aim of the project is to replace Turkish Air Force’s T-38 trainer aircraft fleet — consisting of some 70 aircraft — and to meet the needs of potential international customers.

In the project, Hürjet’s maximum altitude is set at 45,000 ft, along with its 3,000-kilogram payload and a maximum speed of Mach 1.2.