One of the important projects of the Turkish defense industry, the improved version of HÜRKUŞ, HÜRKUŞ-II, is planned to enter the Turkish Air Force inventory as of 2025. The delivery process of HÜRKUŞ-II, which made its first successful flight in recent months, to the Air Force Command continues at full speed. According to the contract, it is envisaged that 15 HÜRKUŞ-II aircraft will join the Air Force Command in 2025 in the first phase. The delivery of the remaining 40 aircraft is targeted to be completed by 2027.
Significant structural improvements have been made to the first 15 HÜRKUŞ aircraft, which will be delivered to the Air Force Command shortly. As a result of the work carried out, the structural weight of the aircraft was reduced, and thanks to the latest technologies used, it has become one of the most acrobatic and high-performance aircraft in its class. In line with the strategy of increasing the localization rate in the defense industry, many critical components of the aircraft, such as the canopy, cooling system, hydraulic pump, radio and friend-or-foe identification (IFF), have been localized, significantly increasing the nationalization rate of HÜRKUŞ.
Renewed Design and Superior Features
HÜRKUŞ-II, which emerged with the integration of valuable experiences gained in the design studies for the HÜRKUŞ-B model and the latest technological developments, has remarkable design changes compared to its previous versions. Thanks to this new design, HÜRKUŞ-II has reached higher speed, lower weight and superior agility. Thanks to the improvements made in the design, system layout and structure interface studies, a significant reduction in maintenance labor has been achieved. Studies carried out to minimize weight and drag forces also contributed to the reduction of engine losses. HÜRKUŞ-II also stands out visually with its new fairing design and stylish lights integrated into the wingtip.
In addition to the optimized dorsal fin and innovative wingtip design, HÜRKUŞ-II also features a new air intake and exhaust geometry. Thanks to these aerodynamic improvements, significant increases were achieved in the aircraft's speed, roll rate and maximum G performance. Thanks to all these superior features, HÜRKUŞ-II is currently considered the "Most Agile Aircraft" among its counterparts.
Modern Cockpit and Increasing Localization Rate
HÜRKUŞ-II, which has also undergone significant improvements in terms of the Human Machine Interface (HMI), has a simple, modern and ergonomic cockpit for pilot use. It also provides pilots with a significant advantage with the high field of view it offers compared to its competitors. There are currently many improved and localized systems on the HÜRKUŞ platform. With the increase in the number of these systems that are not subject to export permits, the localization rate of the aircraft increases even more, and HÜRKUŞ-II is preparing to serve the Turkish Air Force with a more modern and advanced version.
In the renewed HÜRKUŞ-II aircraft, critical components such as the canopy, cooling system, flap actuator system, fire blankets, seals and hoses, which were previously dependent on foreign sources in the HÜRKUŞ-B model, were successfully localized. Studies on the localization of electromechanical, hydraulic and avionic components are also continuing at full speed by the Turkish defense industry.
