Turkish Trainer Shows Its Teeth
by David Donald - June 21, 2017, 8:29 AM
Among the aircraft making Paris Air Show debuts this week
is the Hurkus turboprop trainer, designed and produced by Turkish Aerospace
Industries (TAI). Two Hurkus A development aircraft are at Le Bourget; one is
taking part in the flying display, while the other is on static display fitted
with a range of weapons and sensors to represent a potential configuration of
the Hurkus C light attack/close air support version first revealed in February.
First flying on August 29, 2013, the aircraft is now in
production in Hurkus B form for the Turkish air force, which has ordered an
initial batch of 15, with 40 more expected. The B model has a more advanced
cockpit than the civilian-standard Hurkus A, which received EASA certification
last July. Hurkus B has a cockpit designed with Aselsan systems that make it
well-suited for training future F-16 and F-35 pilots. The first production
Hurkus B is expected to fly in November.
Both Turkey’s army and Gendarmerie are set to acquire the
Hurkus C armed variant. This aircraft has an electro-optical turret for
surveillance and target designation and a range of weapons are available,
including Roketsan’s Cirit, UMTAS and Smart Micro Munition.
Source: ainonline.com
TAI Hurkus Basic Trainer: Details
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