HÜRKUŞ in FARNBOROUGH Airshow
TAI held a media briefing on in Farnborough to introduce its Turkish Primary and Basic Trainer Aircraft, named "HÜRKUŞ," which has rolled out on June 27 at a ceremony, honored with the participation of the Turkish Prime Minister.
Murad BAYAR Undersecretary for Defence Industries, Yakup Taşdelen, Head of Aircraft Department in SSM, Muharrem DÖRTKAŞLI, President and CEO of TAI, Özcan ERTEM, Executive Vice President and Head of Aircraft Group, Aylin Ararat, Lead Designer of HÜRKUŞ, Onur DEMİR, other distinguished guests, international and Turkish press members participated to the media briefing.
Muharrem DÖRTKAŞLI pointed out that in last 2 exhibitions in Farnborough, TAI participated with its indigenous platforms ANKA and HÜRKUŞ. He stated that TAI would like to display its vehicles and have flight shows in Farnborough Airshow 2014.
The First Flight is in 2013
4 prototypes are to be manufactured within the scope of the project and will be subjected to ground tests in order to verify the full functioning of the systems under normal and emergency conditions until the first flight. Besides, the 2-month vibration tests according to the requirements of EASA will apply to the first aircraft. The static second aircraft will be subjected to several tests with the pulley system to be established at TAI premises in order to verify whether or not the top coat of the aircraft has the required strength. The results of tests, which are planned to be completed in the beginning of 2013, will be submitted to EASA and Directorate of Civil Aviation. Following the evaluations to be made, the first flight permit is expected to be granted to HÜRKUŞ in March 2013. The first flight of HÜRKUŞ is expected to be realized as of April 2013. Following the 2-year flight tests, the aircraft will be ready for mass production.
Success of Turkish Engineers
A program for the development of an indigenous basic trainer was first authorized in January 2005, with a development contract being awarded to TAI in March 2006. The contract covered the design and manufacture of four airframes, comprising two flying prototypes and two for static and fatigue tests. A preliminary design review was held in August 2007, and a critical design review was conducted two years later. Designed entirely by Turkish team, 140 engineers and 70 technicians had worked for 6 years. During the project, more than 1 million engineering hours were performed, 4800 design documents and 7250 technical drawings were documented.
Able To Fly Under Speed
Weighing 3.2 tons and having 11 meters length and 3,70 meters height, HÜRKUŞ is equipped with Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68T turbo prop aircraft engine (1600 shp) and it pushes HÜRKUŞ along at a 310-knot cruising speed with 5-bladed propeller. Endurance is 4 hours 15 minutes and g limits are +7/-3.5. The stepped cockpit provides excellent fields of view from both cockpits. The front seat offers forward visibility down to 10 degrees below the horizon, while the aft seat has a creditable 5 degrees of forward vision below the horizon. Both cockpits are fitted with Martin-Baker Mk 11BN zero-zero ejection seats. The design is the only aircraft in its class to feature area-extending Fowler flaps.
3 Different Models To Be Developed
As per the Contract, HÜRKUŞ-A has civil type certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency and three more models are planned to be manufactured. Except for Type A, which is equipped with commercial avionics and to obtain certification from General Directorate of Civil Aviation / EASA, Type B, to be equipped with military devices and Type C, to be equipped with 1,5 tons of load for close air support are planned to be manufactured.
