Local training airplane achieves maiden f light

ANKARA – Hürriyet Daily News

The Hürkuş succeeded in its first flight in Turkish capital Ankara yesterday. AA photo

The Hürkuş, a training plane manufactured by the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), succeeded in its first flight yesterday.

The basic training plane, the Hürkuş, was designed by engineers at TAI to meet the TSK’s need for training and armored light close air support planes.

The plane conducted its maiden flight after receiving permission from the Transport Ministry’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM). The flying test began at 7:35 a.m. and lasted 33 minutes. The plane, whose landing gear was open during the flight in accordance with plans, landed successfully.

The pilot of the Hürkuş, Murat Özpala, said the plane reacted correctly and that the 1,600-horsepower engine showed a high level of performance during takeoff.

The test will finally be completed after hundreds of sorties, after which the plane will receive a certificate from the Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communication Ministry.

The Hürkuş will also be certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency for export.