Türkiye Finally Tests Second HÜRJET Prototype After Upgrades

Türkiye Finally Tests Second HÜRJET Prototype After Upgrades

ANKARA
Turkey has taken a new strategic step in expanding its defense aviation program with the successful flight of the second prototype of the HÜRJET advanced jet trainer in its first series of flight tests. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, the HÜRJET continues to realize one of the country's most significant aerospace ambitions: producing a fully domestic next-generation jet trainer.

These tests, conducted at the TAI flight test facility in Ankara, build on the momentum created by the first prototype, which has been flying regularly since 2023. The introduction of the second airframe for live testing is a significant milestone, enabling simultaneous progress in performance validation, avionics integration, and the combat-capable variant Turkey will launch in the coming years.

Engine, Avionics, and Flight Systems
The HÜRJET is powered by a single 17,000 lb-thrust turbofan engine, providing high maneuverability and performance suitable for both training and light attack roles. Although the current variant relies on imported engines, officials have repeatedly stated that long-term plans include the integration of locally developed engines once they become available.

A More Mature Prototype
According to program engineers, this second prototype incorporates refinements based on initial feedback from the first aircraft. These include structural adjustments, improved software integration for the flight control computer, and updates to the onboard system architecture to support upcoming weapons integration trials. While TAI has not disclosed all configuration changes, officials emphasize that this second prototype is closer to final production standards.

Visually, the aircraft reflects the sleek aerodynamic profile seen in previous unveilings, but experts noted subtle changes to sensor placement and maintenance access panels that signal ongoing optimization. During testing, the aircraft completed ground trials, high-speed taxi trials, and several circuits at various altitudes.

A Strategic Asset for the Turkish Air Force
The HÜRJET program aims to replace the aging T-38 Talon fleet used by the Turkish Air Force for advanced jet training. In addition to its role as a trainer aircraft, the HÜRJET is also designed as a light combat aircraft, capable of air-to-ground missions, air patrol duties, and even aircraft carrier operations from future Turkish Navy platforms.

The design's flexibility reflects Turkey's broader strategic doctrine of developing indigenous solutions that enhance operational independence. By using domestically produced trainers, Turkey ensures full control over avionics upgrades, weapons integration options, and export pathways—advantages not always available with off-the-shelf foreign systems.

Avionics remain one of HÜRJET's strengths in Turkish engineering. The aircraft boasts the following features: a fully digital cockpit with wide-area displays, fly-by-wire controls, a local mission computer, a helmet-mounted vision system, and data link capabilities compatible with other Turkish platforms.

This digital system allows prospective pilots to experience a cockpit layout similar to that of Turkey's modern fighter fleet, including the upgraded F-16 Block Özgür and the country's future fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet.


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