HÜRJET, which took off for the first time in the 100th anniversary of the Republic, made its 100th flight

Turkey’s first jet-powered training aircraft HÜRJET, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), performed its 100th flight. HÜRJET took off for the first time in 2023.

Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), HÜRJET, Turkey’s first indigenous jet-powered training aircraft, met with the sky for the 100th time and performed its hundredth sortie. HÜRJET stayed in the air for 87 minutes on its hundredth flight. HÜRJET has reached a total flight time of 118 hours, a maximum speed of 0.9 mach and an altitude of 30,000ft. HÜRJET, which made its first flight on 25 April 2023, is one step closer to mass production with this success.

100th flight

Dr Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of TAI, stated that HÜRJET is primarily designed as a training aircraft, and that this is where the first need is, and announced that 17 HÜRJETs are currently being produced and that a contract has been signed. After this programme is completed, HÜRJET will also be given to the Turkish Stars. In addition, efforts are also underway to convert the HÜRJET into a light attack aircraft.

However, the priority is to complete the 17 training aircraft concept. Demiroğlu also mentioned that there are demands from abroad for HÜRJET, and said that 2026 is targeted for deliveries. HÜRJET is expected to replace the T-38 and F-5 aircraft in the inventory of the Air Force Command in the first stage.

Engine problem solved

HÜRJET, which is currently continuing its test flights, uses GE Aerospace’s F404 engines. In recent weeks, it was announced that a memorandum of understanding was signed with GE Aerospace, TEI and TAI for HÜRJET. Following the approval of the US Congress, it is expected that there will be no problems with the engines. Under the contract, GE Aerospace F404 turbofan engines will be integrated into the new variants of the HÜRJET programme. TEI will assemble, inspect, test and provide MRO services for the F404 engines.

Demiroğlu also announced in recent months that they will be able to produce more than 300 units in total for the domestic market plus exports for HÜRJET. In addition, he confirmed that HÜRJET will also have a version for Turkey’s aircraft carrier under development.

Technical specifications of HÜRJET

• Length: 13.6 m / 44.6 ft
• Wing span 9.5 m / 31 ft
• Height: 5.1 m / 16.7 ft
• Wing Area 35 m2 / 270 ft2
• Thrust: 17,600 lb
• Service Ceiling 13,716 m / 45,000 ft
• Continuous Rotation: 5.5 g @ 15,000 ft < 0.9 Mach
• Climb Rate 39,000 fpm
• Range: 2222 km / 1200 nm
• Load Capacity: 2721 kg / 6000 lbs
• Maximum Speed Mach 1.4
• G Limits +8g / -3g

HÜRJET’s outstanding capabilities

• High AoA control
• Head-up Display (HUD)
• Helmet Mounted Indicator (Conditional)
• Full Authority, Digital Controlled Flight System
• Advanced Human Machine Interface, Minimum Familiarisation Time for F-35 and MMU
• Intra & Inter Data Link
• Night Vision Compatible (AJT, LIFT)
• Air Refuelling (Dry for AJT, Liquid for LCA)
• Comfortable Handling
• Embedded Tactical Training and Live Virtual Constructive Training Systems
• APU for Autonomous Operations
• Air-Air, Air-Ground Firing Capability