TAI's Hürkus-B trainer successfully conducts maiden flight.

The Hürkus-B, which is planned to take its part in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces in the middle of this year, has successfully performed the first test flight at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) facility, the Turkish aircraft maker stated today.

TAI Hürkus-B trainer
(Credit: TAI)

"Following the completion of successful test flight of the Hürkus-B, which is being produced in more comprehensive and stable way, such important tests as engine, avionics, stability and flight test execution excellence will be carried out," TAI said.

The President and CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Temel Kotil PhD while talking about successful first test flight of Hürkus-B, has emphasized that right after Hürkus-A, which was built for civilian use, Hürkus-B has been designed specifically for the Turkish Armed Forces. “Hürkus-B is 100kg lighter, faster, more modern and stronger than Hürkus-A. This version has a more stable and comprehensive design," Kotil said.

Right after this successful test the aircraft’s test phases will be continued. Such important tests for Hürkus-B as engine, avionics, stability and flight test execution will be carried out. After 90 flight hours of planned sorties it will take its part in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces. Some 15 Hürkus-Bs are on order, but the Turkish Air Force has options for 40 more.

The B variant includes integrated avionics, including new HUD, MFDs and Mission Computer.