Turkish domestic attack aircraft braces for maiden flight in 2023 Infographic

Turkish Aerospace is getting ready for March 18, 2023, which will see the first flight of its advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft Hürjet, according to Anadolu Agency.

The TAI Hürjet is a single-engine, tandem seat, supersonic advanced trainer and light combat aircraft, under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

The Turkish Air Force intends to use the design to replace the Northrop T-38 Talon in the trainer role and also to supplement the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon for close air support.

The aircraft is also planned to replace the Northrop F-5 used by the Turkish Stars aerobatic team. A naval version of the aircraft may also be developed. The company also plans to pursue export orders to countries looking to replace older trainers and ground attack aircraft.

The project was initiated by TAI in August 2017 using its own financial resources. A mock-up was displayed at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow.

On 22 July 2018, the Turkish Under-secretariat for Defence Industries announced that the Turkish Air Force had signed an agreement with TAI, giving the project official status to move development forward.

As of January 2020, the aircraft did not have an engine selected, although the Eurojet EJ200 and the General Electric F404-GE-102 were under consideration for the power of the design.

Capabilities are planned to include air-to-air refuelling, fly-by-wire with parameter limiting, built-in auxiliary power unit, night vision goggle-compatible cockpit, head-up display and an integrated helmet display system.