Hürjet’s Light Attack configuration will share the role of F-16 Aircraft as Lead-in Fighter Trainer and Close Air Support in the 2020's with its 3000 kg payload. Hürjet is expected to be used for Close Air Support, Red Aircraft and Air Policing (or board security and counterterrorism) missions by Turkey and allied countries.
Main objectives of the project are:
- Fulfillment of the TurAF’s operational, functional and performance requirements regarding jet trainer and light attack aircraft, by designing and developing an indigenous system utilizing readily available technologies to keep the unit and ownership costs low.
- Replacement of the current TurAF T-38 fleet, consisting of about 70 aircraft. The production volume may increase depending on the “Light Attack Aircraft” needs of TurAF and/or potential customers.
The maximum speed of Hürjet will be Mach 1.2; the maximum altitude will be 45,000 ft.
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That’s what TAI tells about Hürjet. Hürjet will serve as close air supppot, air patrolling roles additions to training mission. Twin engine enables it to carry relatively heavy payload capacity (3000kg). It seems Turkey and partners will try to hit two birds with one stone.
I don’t have much details about roles of K-8 in Pakistan Airforce so I don’t know whether Hürkus and K-8 is competitors to replace eacother in same training level because of One is a jet powered while other one is turbop.
