Turkish Hurjet jet trainer aircraft expected to debut in Egypt

The TAI Hurjet, named in honour of Vecihi Hürkuş, is an upcoming single-engine, tandem-seat, supersonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). On April 25, 2023, the prototype completed its inaugural flight, marking a significant milestone in the aircraft\'s development.

The Turkish Air Force has strategic plans to deploy this cutting-edge aircraft to replace the ageing Northrop T-38 Talon for comprehensive training purposes and to complement the capabilities of the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon in providing close air support. Furthermore, the TAI Hürjet is designated to take over the role of the Northrop F-5, which is currently utilised by the renowned Turkish Stars aerobatic team. There are also discussions regarding the development of a naval variant of the aircraft. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is also actively seeking export opportunities, aiming to cater to countries searching for a viable replacement for their ageing trainer aircraft and ground attack platforms.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has announced that the Hürjet, an advanced jet training aircraft, will be presented at the upcoming Egypt International Airshow (EIAS) 2024. The aircraft is equipped with a state-of-the-art mission computer and a modern cockpit featuring a human-machine interface aimed at reducing conversion time to current and future Turkish fighter aircraft. Designed as a single-engine, tandem-seat aircraft for modern pilot training, the Hürjet is intended to replace the ageing T-38s as advanced jet trainers (AJT) and F-5s as acrobatic team aircraft for the Turkish Air Force. According to TAI, the platform offers an appealing option for air forces seeking cost-effective and high-performance AJTs to modernise their fleets.

Taking place from 3-5 September 2024 at El Alamein International Airport, EIAS is expected to attract significant interest from the burgeoning aerospace industry in countries such as Turkey and South Korea, both eager to explore new markets in developing regions. Mehmet Demiroğlu, TAI CEO, expressed excitement about showcasing the Hürjet at the Egypt International Airshow for the first time, emphasising the event\'s ideal platform for demonstrating the aircraft\'s capabilities and exploring potential regional collaborations.

Hürjet jet trainer: features and capabilities

The Hürjet, with a length of 45 feet, a wingspan of 30 feet, and a payload capacity of 2,700 kilograms, completed its maiden test flight on April 25, 2024. Achieving an altitude of 14,000 feet and a speed of 250 knots, the HÜRJET AJT remained airborne for 26 minutes.

Initiated by TAI in August 2017 as a privately funded endeavour, the Hürjet program received official backing from the Turkish Air Force (THK) in July 2018. Incorporating advanced avionics architecture from the company’s Hürkus turboprop trainer, the Hürjet is equipped with a General Electric F404-GE-102 after-burning turbofan generating 17,600 pounds of thrust. This power source propels the Hürjet to a projected top speed of Mach 1.4, with a climb rate of 39,000 feet per minute and an estimated range of 1,200 nautical miles.

The Hurjet’s impressive performance makes it an ideal trainer for fourth- and fifth-generation combat aircraft, including Turkey\'s existing F-16 and upcoming MMU fighter. Boasting advanced avionics, it provides students with a realistic experience akin to actual frontline fighter operations, featuring large cockpit screens, head-up displays, integrated helmet-mounted displays, and air-to-air refuelling capabilities. Moreover, its fly-by-wire system with parameter-limiting allows for tailored training requirements.

Within THK service, the Hurjet is slated to replace the ageing Northrop T-38M Talon advanced trainers in Izmir and the Northrop NF-5 fighters utilised by the “Turkish Stars” national aerobatic team in Konya. In addition to fulfilling lead-in fighter training duties, it is positioned to serve as an aggressor in “Red Air” dissimilar air combat training and may also be deployed in close support and air policing roles to complement the F-16 force.

On July 28, 2024, the inaugural Hurjet, identified by tail number #24-001 and adorned with the Turkish Air Force emblem, executed a successful landing at Torrejón Air Base to undergo an assessment by the Spanish Air and Space Force in the context of Spain\'s initiative to modernise the F-5 aircraft fleet. The aircraft\'s journey commenced at TAI facilities in Ankara (LTAE) and included stopovers in Tekirdağ (TEQ), Belgrade (BEG), Brescia (VBS), and Mont-de-Marsan (LFBM) before culminating in Madrid (TOJ).

TAI commenced the Hurjet project in 2017, unveiling an ambitious timetable for the future, including the intention to commence series production at a rate of two aircraft per month starting in 2026. However, it is pertinent to acknowledge that delays and challenges are inherent in test programs for novel military aircraft, potentially impacting the realisation of this target as the project transitions from testing to production, encompassing qualification and certification processes.

The Hürjet, a dual-seat, single-engine supersonic next-generation jet trainer and light attack aircraft, entered development on July 2, 2018, under a collaboration between TAI, the Turkish Defence Industries Presidency, and the Turkish Air Force. Preliminary studies for the \"Jet Trainer Aircraft & Light Attack Aircraft Project\" were initiated in July 2017, with the project officially launching on Aug. 14, 2017.

The operational history of TAI Hurjet is notable, particularly about its procurement by the Turkish Air Force. Initially, a procurement order for 4 Block 0 units with the option of an additional 12 Block 1 units was modified to a final order of 16 units, accompanied by accelerated delivery schedules.

Sales

In terms of potential sales, the Spanish Air and Space Force is currently assessing the TAI Hurjet within the context of a larger tender process aimed at replacing the ageing Northrop F-5 aircraft fleet. Notably, Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Garcia Galan, Deputy Chief of Operations for the Next Generation Weapon System of the Spanish Air Force, has revealed that Spain is contemplating the acquisition of four new systems, including the TAI Hürjet, Boeing T-7A Red Hawk, KAI T-50, and Alenia Aermacchi M-346.

Similarly, the United States Navy has initiated plans to replace the T-45 Goshawk aircraft, with the TAI Hurjet being a participant in this procurement process. Anticipated to acquire a total of 145 jet trainers, the replacement program has encountered a delay of 2 years, extending the procurement period to the second quarter of 2028. Other contenders in this tender include Boeing T-7A Red Hawk, the TF-50N version of KAI T-50 modified in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, and the M-346N version of Alenia Aermacchi M-346 modified in partnership with Textron. Furthermore, a version of the TAI Hürjet, modified in conjunction with Sierra Nevada Corporation to meet specific criteria set by the US Navy, will be considered in the procurement process.

Conclusion

The primary objective of the Hürjet project is the creation of a supersonic indigenous jet trainer to supplant the T-38M and NF-5A/B 2000 aircraft in the Turkish Air Force inventory by the 2030s. Furthermore, the Hürjet intends to assume responsibilities in close air support, alleviating the burden on the F-16C/D aircraft. TAI also envisions developing a naval variant of the Hürjet tailored for aircraft carrier operations.