Turkish Company TAI to Present Hürjet Jet Trainer at Egypt International Airshow 2024.

The Hürjet, Turkish Aerospace Industries' (TAI) newest jet training aircraft, is poised to make a significant debut at the upcoming Egypt International Airshow (EIAS) from September 3-5, 2024, at El Alamein International Airport.
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Turkish Aerospace Industries Hürjet Jet Trainer (Picture source: TUSAS)

Designed as a single-engine, tandem-seat aircraft, the Hürjet aims to replace the aging T-38s used for advanced training and the F-5s for acrobatic teams within the Turkish Air Force. Featuring state-of-the-art components including an advanced mission computer and a cockpit equipped with a sophisticated human-machine interface, the Hürjet promises to significantly reduce the transition time for pilots to current and future Turkish combat aircraft.

Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of TAI, expressed his enthusiasm for the Hürjet's premiere at EIAS: "This event is an ideal opportunity to showcase the Hürjet's capabilities and explore potential collaborations in the region." TAI is leveraging the airshow to highlight the cost-effectiveness and performance of its new trainer aircraft, regarded as an attractive option for air forces looking to modernize their fleets.

On its maiden flight on April 25, 2024, the Hürjet impressed onlookers by reaching an altitude of 14,000 feet and a speed of 250 knots, remaining airborne for 26 minutes. With a length of 45 feet, a wingspan of 30 feet, and a payload capacity of 2,700 kg, its specifications are tailored to the needs of modern air forces.

The development of the Hürjet is part of a series of initiatives by Türkiye to strengthen its presence in the global defense market, including projects such as the fifth-generation TA Kaan fighter aircraft and the Kızılelma unmanned combat drone.

With the Egypt International Airshow as its platform, TAI hopes not only to demonstrate the technological advancements of the Hürjet but also to expand its influence in developing markets, thereby affirming its growing role in the global aerospace defense industry.

As a reminder, in July 2024, Spain and Türkiye are in advanced talks for a strategic exchange of military equipment. The proposed deal includes trading 24 Turkish HÜRJET training aircraft for six Spanish A400M transport aircraft, as Spain seeks to replace its Northrop Grumman F-5M training aircraft, scheduled to be phased out by 2030.

The Advanced Jet Trainer and Light Attack Aircraft HÜRJET, a single-engine tandem-seat aircraft, comes equipped with modern avionics and high-performance features crucial for contemporary pilot training. Its superior performance allows it to excel in advanced jet training roles, meeting the essential needs of both international and Turkish Air Force operations. The combat variant of the HÜRJET serves as a force multiplier on the battlefield, offering a broad range of mission capabilities and an extensive payload. As said above, this project was initiated with the objective of replacing the outdated T-38s used for advanced jet training and the F-5s utilized by acrobatic teams, thereby introducing a modern, high-performance multirole aircraft.

The HÜRJET is also designed to replace older jet trainers, many of which have been in service for over 20 years. With the increasing number of 5th generation aircraft such as the TFX and F-35, the demand for advanced jet trainers has grown due to their evolving configurations. Turkish Aerospace launched the HÜRJET Program to target the multirole aircraft market, leveraging its expertise and capabilities in the cost-effective design and production of trainer and light aircraft systems. This initiative aims to satisfy both domestic and international needs, providing a modern solution for pilot training and light attack roles.

As a reminder, the HÜRJET, measuring 13.6 meters in length, 9.5 meters in wingspan, and 5.1 meters in height, features a wing area of 25 square meters and a thrust capacity of 17,600 pounds. Its remarkable performance includes a range of 2,222 kilometers, a climb rate of 39,000 feet per minute, a service ceiling of 45,000 feet, and a maximum speed of 1.4 Mach. The aircraft can sustain turns up to 5.5 g and handle payloads up to 2,721 kilograms. The engine powering the HÜRJET is developed by the American company General Electric, specifically the F404-GE-102 model.