TF-X / KAAN / Hürjet Turkish Fighter & Trainer Aircrafts News & Discussions

[Oublious]

So not yet today?

because bad weather....

 

[hyperman]

So not yet today?

It rained today in Ankara, so people are guessing they wait for better conditions. No need to add an extra variable of complication.

Friday is supposed to be sunny.

Lets see, I hope that i the issue atleast.

 

[Deino]

It rained today in Ankara, so people are guessing they wait for better conditions. No need to add an extra variable of complication.

Friday is supposed to be sunny.

Lets see, I hope that i the issue atleast.

because bad weather....

Thanks for the info … so let’s keep fingers crossed!

 

[Sinan]

Defense analyst Kozan Selçuk Erkan:

“Ground testing of KAAN is ongoing. It has one or two tests left, after which it will fly. Most likely, its first flight will take place before December.”

Video: Kaner Kurt

 

[maxpane]

so whats the update on naval hurjet..is it a new aircraft or its just hurjet upgaradation for navy

 

[Erlik]

so whats the update on naval hurjet..is it a new aircraft or its just hurjet upgaradation for navy

Both of them. This is what I understand from the TUSAŞ General Manager's statement:

"As our aircraft carrier takes shape, the requirements will become clearer. This is a long-term project. I can already say it will be an entirely different platform from Hürjet. You will see that it is different, because the requirements are different."

With the modifications required:

1. Reinforced landing gear and airframe for high-impact carrier landings
2. Arrestor hook
3. Full marinization against salt, humidity and corrosion
4. Increased wing area for better low-speed handling
5. More powerful engine (the current F404 is considered insufficient)
6. STOBAR + future CATOBAR compatibility

It's clear that almost everything about the aircraft will change, including its wing design. They're not talking about sharing components between KAAN and Hürjet here. However, I don't think it will be in the same class as the F-18. It could end up somewhere between the F-16 and JF-17.

If they aren't going to buy the F414 from the US, the aircraft will likely switch from the currently announced single-engine configuration to a twin-engine design. There's also the domestic TF10000 engine, as well as the TF35000, which is still under development. They're not going to insist on a single-engine design and then put a TF35000 in it. If they use the TF10000, it will become twin-engine and end up closer to the JF-17 in terms of class. If they switch to the F414, it will remain single-engine and move towards something more like the Gripen.

The biggest issue is how extensively the aircraft will have to change. This will extend development time, and the engine choice will determine whether it becomes a domestically powered twin-engine aircraft or a single-engine aircraft with a foreign engine. That's an additional burden on TUSAŞ either way.

We'll probably see some developments soon. For now, though, discussing this is mostly speculation.

The government is opening its wallet for the Navy again. Then again, it never really closed it in the first place. Designing an entirely new aircraft from scratch for the for, one aircraft carrier or maybe even a second one, seems a bit unnecessary to me. But there's not much choice when both overt and covert embargoes are forcing them down this path.