Second prototype of TUSAŞ’s HÜRJET advanced trainer/light combat aircraft has been spotted with wing pylons and a fuselage pylon, signalling weapons testing.
TUSAŞ is entering the armament phase for HÜRJET, which will be initially introduced as the Turkish Air Force’s new advanced trainer to succeed T-38 trainers.
A photo taken by Enes Ötken shows HÜRJET’s second prototype having donned all possible weapon pylons: Wingtip pylons for WVRAAMs, four wing pylons, and, interestingly, a fuselage pylon. Additionally, what appears to be a camera is seen in front of the fuselage pylon.
The appearance of weapon pylons and even a camera suggests that TUSAŞ will soon begin weapons testing on the prototype that was previously discussed to have an array of changes compared to the first one.
HÜRJET, in light combat aircraft configuration, can carry 3.4 tons of armament, including guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-surface missiles, with the possibility of a gunpod or onboard gun (Like KAI’s FA-50).
Aside from the weaponry, HÜRJET is also planned to incorporate a variant of the MURAD AESA radar in this configuration, and the second prototype might also support such integration, considering the larger radome structure compared to the prototype as discussed previously.
Türkiye’s vast portfolio of aircraft armament from ROKETSAN, ASELSAN, and TÜBİTAK SAGE, alongside the indigenous AESA radar, can give HÜRJET an edge it needs in the growing light combat aircraft market that already has a considerable number of players.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
