JAKARTA - Turkey's domestically made light attack jet and aircraft Hurjet has been officially launched, Defense Industry (SSB) Presidential Head Ismail Demir said Thursday.
"Now is the time to fly," he said on Twitter.
"Under the strong leadership of our president, Recep Tayyip Erdoyan, as Turkey's defense industry, our work continues at full speed on the 100th anniversary of our republic."
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), which developed the aircraft, also shared a statement on the company's official Twitter account.
The Hurjet project was originally started by TAI in 2017 and is expected to make its inaugural flight in 2023.
"We are pleased to fulfill our promise to our nation. HURJET started the engine, it is almost time to take its place in the sky," tweeted TAI.
TAI targets to be able to produce two aircraft every month after 2025, according to a previous statement by the head of the company, Temel Kotil.
Cumhurbaşkanımız Sayın @RTErdogan’ın güçlü liderliğinde, Türk savunma sanayii olarak Cumhuriyetimizin 100. yılında çalışmalarımız tüm hızıyla devam ediyor.HÜRJET motorunu çalıştırdı!🔥Artık sıra uçuşta! 🛫@TUSAS_TR #TürkiyeYüzyılı#GücünYüzyılı pic.twitter.com/WAKKkT6Bqu
— Ismail Demir (@IsmailDemirSSB) February 2, 2023
He said the four prototypes would be built first for later use during flight tests.
"We aim to build six to seven aircraft in the first year in the mass production phase and produce two aircraft per month or 24 aircraft per year starting next year," he explained, launching Daily Sabah on February 2.
"After 2025, two Hurjets will leave the hangar and will be delivered to customers every month," he continued.
Hurjet, designed to be a fifth-generation training aircraft, will be equipped with an advanced mission computer in its modern cockpit.
The Hurjet project's main goal is to replace the Turkish Air Force's T-38 trainer fleet, which consists of 70 aircraft, as well as to meet the needs of potential international customers.
The maximum altitude of the advanced jet is set at 45,000 feet (14 kilometers), along with a payload of 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds) and a maximum speed of Mach 1.2.
The aircraft will also be equipped with superior radar and sensitive attack systems, as well as air and ground communications capabilities, in order to reduce threats and risks.
The Hurjet will be 13.4 meters (43 ft) long with a wingspan of 11 meters and will provide environmental security in offensive operations.
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