ANKARA: Turkiye has reached an important milestone in its aircraft programme. The first serial production HURJET jet trainer made its first flight for the Turkish Air Force.
The aircraft stayed in the air for 18 minutes and completed the flight safely.
This was the first flight of a production HURJET. It was not the first flight of the HURJET programme.
HURJET Programme Started in 2017
- The HURJET programme was started in 2017 by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ).
- The first HURJET prototype made its first flight on April 25, 2023.
- Since then, the aircraft has gone through many flight tests. HURJET has also successfully demonstrated supersonic flight, meaning it can fly faster than the speed of sound.
What Is HURJET?
- HURJET is a two seat jet aircraft mainly designed to train fighter pilots.
- It is designed to help pilots learn advanced flying skills before moving to more powerful fighter aircraft.
- HURJET can reach speeds of around Mach 1.4 and can fly at altitudes of up to about 45,000 feet.
Production Aircraft Now Flying
- The latest flight is important because the aircraft is part of serial production.
- The first production phase includes six HURJET aircraft for the Turkish Air Force.
- The aircraft will still need to complete more tests before it is officially delivered and enters service.
Turkiye’s Aviation Industry Growing
- HURJET is part of Turkiye’s wider effort to develop and build advanced military aircraft inside the country.
- Turkiye is also looking at international export opportunities for the aircraft.
- The programme has attracted interest from other countries, including Spain.
Why This Flight Matters
- The maiden flight shows that HURJET has moved from the prototype stage towards regular production.
- The Turkish Air Force is expected to receive the aircraft after the required testing and acceptance process is completed.
