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TAI aims to deliver armed Hürkuş-C to the Turkish forces in 2017
As per local Turkish media (e.g. Millyet), Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) aims to deliver the Hürkuş-C close air support (CAS) aircraft to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in 2017.
The Hürkuş-C is the weaponized variant of the Hürkuş turboprop-powered training platform, which first flew in August 2013. TAI is positioning the Hürkuş as a replacement for legacy basic jet trainers such as the Cessna T-37 Tweet. The Hürkuş’ civilian version, Hürkuş-A, also achieved European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification in July 2016.
Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Işık and the Undersecretary of Defence Industries (SSM) Ismail Demir visited TAI to oversee the manufacturing of a Hürkuş-C prototype.
With a payload of 1,500 kg across seven external hardpoints, the Hürkuş-C will be armed with Roketsan’s UMTAS anti-tank guided missile and Cirit 70 mm laser-guided rocket system. The Hürkuş-C will also be equipped with a tactical data-link system, electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) system, self-protection system, and an armour reinforced airframe.
On the grounds of lower operating costs in comparison to the F-16, the TSK will reportedly deploy the Hürkuş-C as part of its counterinsurgency (COIN) efforts. TAI may also market the Hürkuş-C to prospective overseas customers, placing it in direct competition with Embraer and its EMB-314 Super Tucano.
3 Comments
by Türker Demircan
This is really interesting as even Hürkuş-B (military version of A but not armed) does not exist yet….Same thing happens for ANKA-S, which is now said will be armed
by Shakeel
Just like to commend our Turkish brothers in achieving this significant milestone. The Hurkus armed with UMTAS & Cirit missiles will give headaches to any opponents.
The Turkish arms industry is gathering momentum day by day. Sorry for straying slightly, just like to add The MKEK 105mm Boran air transportable Howitzer, will give the turkish army maximum flexibility in operating in real time warfare. This type of modern artillery ‘should be inducted’ in any army . Only wished that the latter artillery was 155mm so that it can compete against the M777 howitzer.
Good achievement for Turkey.
by DB100-SM2
There is not much difference between the Hürkuş-B and C besides the hard points for weapons mounts and software. 10 Hürkuş-B are currently being produced at TAI facilities. AFAIK fuselage construction is nearly complete. They will make their maiden flight by the end of this year.