The second prototype showcases significant design modifications, likely tailored to enhance its light attack capabilities. These changes suggest the aircraft is being refined to compete globally within its class and mission profile.
The second prototype of Turkey’s Hürjet, made by TUSAŞ (Turkish Aerospace), flew with a new paint scheme colors on Nov. 21, 2024. This aircraft also bore some noticeable airframe and configuration changes. The design tweaks are more combat-oriented, making it relevant to both the Turkish Air Force needs and a crowded and competitive market for advanced jet trainer and light combat category of fighters.
The twin-seater single engine airframe, bearing tail number TUS-A003, bore a light and dark gray paint scheme, in angled, geometrical patterns. The first prototype of the jet has so far been spotted in a red and white color combination. According to Anadolu Agency, this second prototype made its first flight on Nov. 13, in a factory primer paint. The jet flew for the first time on Apr. 25, 2023, and has completed 140 test and demonstration sorties so far.
The second prototype “exceeded the speed of sound,” meaning it went supersonic, and touched an altitude of 45,000 feet, higher than the first prototype, AA added. It also performed “various maneuver tests.” In its first flight, it remained airborne for 26 minutes, reaching an altitude of 10,000 feet and touching a speed of 200 knots (370 km an hour).
Dalgalan sen de şafaklar gibi ey şanlı hilal! 🇹🇷
HÜRJET’in ikinci prototipi yeni boyasıyla gökyüzüne havalandı! ✈️ pic.twitter.com/ZRWbxlBmkH
— Türk Havacılık Uzay Sanayii (@TUSAS_TR) November 21, 2024
Turkish reports quoted a statement by TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu, who said deliveries are planned by 2026. “After the completion of the maturation stages of HÜRJET, deliveries will begin.” However, reports are unclear on whether the serial production has begun.
The Hurjet was developed as a supersonic jet trainer to replace the T-38M and NF-5A/B 2000 aircraft in the Turkish Air Force (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri) fleet by the 2030s. While it is not clear if serial production has begun, some reports have speculated that it is likely to commence in early-2025.
Flight and changes in design
The video released by TUSAS showed the new paint scheme being applied in the workshop, and the aircraft rolling out of the hangar, before taking off. It flies with its landing gear extended, while being ‘chased’ by an F-16, before landing back. A pitot tube/air data probe on the nose cone suggests the ongoing testing and development phase, prior to serial production. It is also interesting to see the Hurjet has the same vertically opening ‘mouth’ air brakes on either side of the exhaust nozzle, like the F-16.
The three most noticeable differences between the first and the new second prototype are the intake designs, which on the latter are circular on one side and semi-spherical in shape. It also has missile ejector racks on the wingtips and a slightly larger nose radome to house what Turkish defense analysis handles claim is the MURAD AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar. The nose is also sloping downwards more prominently, almost in line with the cockpit canopy.
Export prospects
The design changes mentioned above are to support its light attack and possibly point defense missions, a class and role it is likely to compete for with South Korea’s KAI FA-50 in international markets. Defense observers noted how the Hurjet that was being offered to the Philippines against the FA-50 Block 20, was at a “disadvantageous” position. This is because the PAF (Philippines Air Force) is already an FA-50 user, and that a weaponized variant was not available at the time. According to Aerospace Global News, both the FA-50 and the Hurjet use the General Electric F404-GE-102 engine.
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Manila is also expected to consider Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk, India’s HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas Mk.1A and the Italian Leonardo M-346FA. Including Russia’s Yak-130, of which the UAC (United Aircraft Corporation) recently unveiled an armed version, these aircraft are likely to remain the Hurjet’s biggest competitors in the advanced jet trainer cum light attack aircraft class of fighters.
As previously reported by The Aviationist, Spain is being actively pursued as a potential first international customer, as it looks to replace its older 19 Northrop SF-5M Freedom Fighter jets. A Hurjet prototype was sent to the Torrejon air base near Madrid for evaluation early in August.
Yahşi ve Vahşi ✈️ https://t.co/7bIl2YUoIn pic.twitter.com/cwDGta3QUB
— Kerem (@KeremHok) November 21, 2024
Turkiye Today at the time added that Madrid has offered to pay for 24 of the Hurjets through a barter deal, transferring to Turkey six A400M aircraft which are not needed by the SASF. Ankara had been seeking to expand its A400 fleet, which currently counts 10 aircraft, amid budget constraints. Egypt is another potential buyer, as the Hurjet was displayed at an air show there in September.
This is the beauty of a modern LCA and AJT jet. Hürjet, Turkiye’s first manned supersonic combat jet, has stolen everyone’s hearts with its aerodynamic aesthetics in its 2nd prototype. The new camouflage paint reflects the true identity of this aircraft https://t.co/OE8KiXuswk pic.twitter.com/2D0ado8bLt
— Tr_tech (@T_Nblty) November 22, 2024
At the Paris air show in 2023, TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) CEO Mehmet Kotil said there is a total market for 400 Hurjets over the next two decades, with 100 going to the Turkish air force and 300 for export customers by the 2030s. The Turkish Air Force so far ordered 17 Hurjet trainers, with a majority in the Block 0 configuration and the rest being Block 1s.
