HÜRKUŞ was initiated to reduce foreign dependency in Turkey’s military pilot training pipeline and to establish a domestically developed basic and advanced trainer aircraft. The platform bridges the gap between primary flight training and advanced jet training, offering a controlled yet high-performance flight envelope.
Operational Purpose and Role
HÜRKUŞ is designed for:
- Basic flight training
- Instrument flight training
- Formation training
- Night flying training
- Fighter lead-in preparation
- Light attack and close air support (HÜRKUŞ-C variant)
The aircraft provides a scalable training environment, enabling student pilots to transition smoothly to high-performance jet aircraft.
Doctrine and Concept of Use
Within a standard pilot training doctrine:
- Primary propeller training
- Advanced turboprop training (HÜRKUŞ stage)
- Advanced jet training (e.g., HÜRJET class aircraft)
HÜRKUŞ represents the advanced turboprop phase, where pilots are exposed to higher speeds, increased g-limits, and modern avionics.
The HÜRKUŞ-C light attack configuration is suitable for:
- Counter-insurgency (COIN) missions
- Border security operations
- Armed reconnaissance
- Low-intensity close air support
Its relatively low operating cost makes it effective in low- to medium-threat environments.
Platform Architecture
The aircraft architecture consists of:
- Hybrid composite and metallic airframe
- Single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68T turboprop engine
- Tandem seating configuration
- Fully digital glass cockpit
- On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS)
The cockpit design resembles modern fighter aircraft interfaces, facilitating smoother pilot transition.
Survivability and Structural Strength
In the training configuration:
- Structural load limits: +7 / -3.5 g
- Ejection seats
- Redundant safety systems
- Certified flight envelope
In the light attack version, survivability depends largely on mission profile and operating altitude. It is not designed for high-threat air defense environments but is optimized for permissive or semi-permissive airspace.
Flight Testing and Certification
During certification and testing:
- 530 sorties
- 567 flight hours
- Test speed up to 356 knots
- Test altitude up to 35,500 ft
The aircraft received type certification from the Turkish DGCA and validation from EASA.
Variants
- HÜRKUŞ-A – Civil-certified version
- HÜRKUŞ-B – Military basic trainer
- HÜRKUŞ-C – Armed light attack variant
The C variant includes external hardpoints for weapon integration. Specific weapon configurations depend on customer requirements and publicly available data is limited.
Detailed Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Length: 11.17 m
- Wingspan: 10.91 m
- Height: 3.70 m
- Wing area: 16.76 m²
- Maximum takeoff weight: Limited public data available
Powerplant
- Engine: 1 × PT6A-68T turboprop
- Power output: 1,600 shp
- Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney Canada
Performance
- Maximum speed: 310 knots
- Test speed: 356 knots
- Service ceiling: 34,700 ft
- Test ceiling: 35,500 ft
- Rate of climb: 4,370 ft/min
- Maximum range: 798 nautical miles
- Endurance: 4 hours 15 minutes at 15,000 ft
- Takeoff distance: 1,605 ft
- Landing distance: 1,945 ft
- Load factor limits: -3.5 / +7 g
Avionics and Sensors
- Full glass cockpit
- Head-Up Display (HUD)
- Multi-Function Displays (MFDs)
- Digital flight data systems
- Mission computer (military variant)
The standard trainer version does not include onboard radar. The light attack version may integrate targeting pods depending on configuration.
Weapons and Hardpoints (HÜRKUŞ-C)
- Multiple underwing hardpoints
- Light precision-guided and unguided munitions (public details limited)
Exact payload capacity figures are not fully disclosed in open sources.
Command, Control, and Communications
- Military-grade communication radios
- Data recording systems
- Mission planning integration
Network-centric warfare capabilities are limited in public documentation.
Deployment and Logistics
- Short runway capability
- Turboprop fuel efficiency
- Lower maintenance cost compared to jet trainers
- Optimized for high sortie generation in training roles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HÜRKUŞ used for?
- It is primarily used for basic and advanced pilot training. The armed version can conduct light attack and counter-insurgency missions.
Is HÜRKUŞ a jet aircraft?
- No. It is a turboprop-powered aircraft designed for efficiency and advanced training realism.
What is the maximum range?
- The aircraft has a maximum range of 798 nautical miles.
How high can HÜRKUŞ fly?
- Its operational ceiling is 34,700 ft, with test flights reaching 35,500 ft.
How does it compare to its competitors?
Comparable aircraft include:
- Pilatus PC-21
- Beechcraft T-6 Texan II
- EMB-314 Super Tucano
HÜRKUŞ competes in the advanced turboprop trainer and light attack segment, offering a balance between training performance and operational flexibility.
Can HÜRKUŞ operate from short runways?
- Yes. It has relatively short takeoff and landing distances, making it suitable for semi-prepared airfields.
Sources
- Turkish Aerospace Industries official publications
- Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation certification records
- EASA type certification validation records
- Pratt & Whitney Canada technical engine documentation