With Spain showing its inclination for Hürjet to replace the ageing F-5BM trainers, best shown with the recent visit to TUSAŞ and statements from the Spanish side, Hürkuş might come along.
The Spanish Air and Space Force Commander-in-Chief General Francisco Braco Carbo’s recent visit included a demonstration flight onboard the Hürjet’s first prototype alongside the second prototype. A statement from the Spanish Air and Space Force followed the demonstration. The statement underlined that Hürjet is well positioned to replace the ageing fleet of F-5BM trainers and the cooperation opportunities with TUSAŞ.
Spain operates a fleet of PC-21 basic trainers, with the latest order being from 2023. Still, a scenario where the tender for new advanced trainers ends up with Hürjet being picked has a fairly good chance of turning the wheel in a new direction.
In modern air forces, combat aircraft training consists of propeller-driven basic and jet-powered advanced trainers to hone piloting skills gradually. In such transitions, a common interface contributes to how quickly the pilots get a grasp on their next aircraft in line. Due to both Hürjet and Hürkuş being developed by TUSAŞ, they have similar interfaces to ensure a smoother transition.
Hürkuş’s updated configuration Hürkuş II has a set of adjustments like better altitude drop tolerance during banked turns, a more user-friendly cockpit with less cluttering elements, and higher operating altitude. These changes are factors strengthening Hürkuş’s hand as well.
Hürjet and Hürkuş simultaneously joining the Spanish Air and Space Force can also pave the way for TUSAŞ to form a double-packed marketing approach on a proven basis for the possible future customers of Hürjet, which would have a positive impact on exports.
