TAI Hurjet

History of TAI Hurjet

Turkey's aviation industry has grown considerably over the past few decades, with several high-profile projects underway, including the now-in-service T129 ATAK attack helicopter and the developing "Hurkus" turboprop base Trainer/Light Attack Aircraft. platform. Another ongoing project is a new advanced jet trainer called the Hurjet, which is being developed for the Turkish Air Force (TurAF) and is expected to enter service sometime in the next decade.

The program is said to be backed by the Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), a former participant in the U.S. Air Force T-X advanced jet trainer competition. In fact, SNC's proprietary T-X design is believed to be used as the framework for the Hurjet project due to similar program requirements. SNC and TAI are joint partners on the short-lived T-X "Freedom Trainer" product, designed to replace the historic but aging fleet of Northrop T-38 Talon jet trainers in service with the U.S.

Air Force.

SNC marketed Freedom Trainer due to low acquisition costs and reduced financial sustainability obligations.

The Hurjet can be powered by a single Williams International FJ44-4M engine, part of the FJ44 family of turbofan engines derived from the Swedish Saab 105, Czech Airlines L-39 Albatross and Italian Leonardo M -345 and other models. This puts the estimated thrust in the range of 2,000 to 3,500 pounds.

The SNC Freedom trainer concept proposes the same engine adaptation.

Concept work showing an aircraft with tiered tandem seats for two crew members (instructor and student). Side mounted air intakes are used to draw twin engine units (side by side) into the hull, each unit is expelled aft through separate ports. The wing main aircraft is shoulder mounted, with the leading edge showing swept back. A dual rudder configuration can be seen at the stern (the aircraft is bent outwards noticeably), with the horizontal plane mounted slightly aft.

Suppose a tricycle landing gear is being used for ground operation. Inside, fly-by-wire (FbW) will provide control assistance and real-time corrections and give the platform high maneuverability.

The Turkish defense industry has been planning a homegrown advanced jet trainer (and homegrown fighter jet) since the end of the last decade. Negotiations followed with TAI to cover conceptual work and the project started in September 2011.

The next few years were devoted to studying various aspects of the project, including the Turkish Air Force's current (and future) operational requirements, concept work, and local industrial capabilities that would bring the aircraft to fruition.

The Turkish Air Force plans to buy around 70 Hurjets to replace its aging T-38 trainer fleet.

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