Turkey's Hurkus trainer to fly next year

17/05/11 By Tolga Ozbek Flight International

Turkish Aerospace Industries plans to conduct the first flight with its Hurkus ("Free Bird") turboprop trainer in August 2012.

Launched four years ago and sponsored by Turkey's undersecretary of defence industries, the Hurkus programme will deliver three models, ranging from a primary military and civilian trainer to a light attack aircraft.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine, the aircraft is planned to have a top speed of more than 250kt (462km/h), and to be capable of performing manoeuvres between +7g and -3.5g.

The first Hurkus A will be manufactured by the end of this year, said TAI, with more than 1,800 of the required 3,300 parts already produced.

After securing certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority, the company aims to start deliveries by 2014. The Turkish air and land forces have both expressed interest in the project.