Taking off from Mürted Airfield in Ankara at 09:45, HÜRJET reached a speed of 1.01 mach, breaking the sound barrier and etching its name in golden letters in Turkish aviation history.
The HÜRJET jet training and light attack aircraft, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), broke the sound barrier today by reaching a speed of 1.01 Mach during its flight. This achievement is not only a victory in flight technology but also a significant demonstration of Türkiye's domestic and national production capacity in the defense industry.
Türkiye's first domestically produced jet aircraft made a controlled landing at 10:23 AM after remaining airborne for a full 38 minutes. An F-16 fighter jet accompanied the HÜRJET throughout the flight.
History and the Genesis of the Project: A "Self-Sufficient" Vision
The HÜRJET project, launched by TUSAŞ with its own resources in August 2017, is one of the clearest examples of the proactive approach of the Turkish defense industry. At that time, the Turkish Air Force needed a modern platform to replace the veteran T-38M Arı aircraft in its inventory and to enable F-16 pilots to transition to combat readiness.
- Rapid Prototyping: Shortly after the project began, the design activities were completed and the production line was established.
- First Flight: HÜRJET successfully completed its maiden flight on April 25, 2023, marking Türkiye's entry into the league of countries capable of producing "supersonic" (above-sound) manned aircraft.
Performance Data: From Education to Conflict, the Power of “Hybrid” Power
HÜRJET's performance parameters position it as a strong contender among its global competitors (Boeing T-7 Red Hawk, KAI T-50). The aircraft has the flexibility to perform two different tasks on a single fuselage:
- Speed and Altitude: Despite its single-engine structure 1.4 Mach HÜRJET, which can reach speeds (1.4 times the speed of sound), 45,000 feet It can simulate the flight envelope of modern jet fighters with its altitude ceiling. This speed is vital for pilot trainees to experience the dynamics of supersonic flight on a real jet.
- Range and Endurance: Approximately 2,222 km Its range allows it to perform long-duration patrol and training missions.
- Maneuverability: The hull structure, capable of withstanding gravitational forces between +8g and -3g, allows for pushing the limits in dogfight training.
Design and Payload Capacity: “Light Attack” Role
HÜRJET was designed not only for pilot training but also for active duty in the field. With a length of 13.6 meters, a height of 5.1 meters, and a wingspan of 9.5 meters, the aircraft stands out with its payload capacity, transforming its compact structure into a "geared" weapon.
- 2.7 Tons of Striking Power: 2.721 kg HÜRJET, which has a payload carrying capacity, will be equipped with domestically produced ammunition integrated into stations located on the fuselage and wings.
- National Ammunition Integration: Equipped with HGK (Precision Guidance Kit), LGK (Laser Guidance Kit), Teber, Miniature Bomb and domestically produced air-to-air missiles (GÖKDOĞAN, BOZDOĞAN), HÜRJET offers a cost-effective solution that will lighten the burden on F-16s in cross-border operations and counter-terrorism efforts.
- Digital Cockpit: Compatible with the National Combat Aircraft KAAN, its modern cockpit with a large touchscreen (LAD) and HMD (Helmet-Mounted Sight) compatibility facilitates the transition to 5th generation aircraft.
Note
If you have any photos or video footage to support our news story, please share them with us using the information provided on our contact us page.
