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