Turkish Fighter Makes Asia-Pacific Debut | Aviation International News

Turkish Fighter Makes Asia-Pacific Debut

Turkish Aerospace is showing off the TF mock-up in Singapore as part of a wider effort to gain export orders for its indigenous products and technology.

The TF design exhibits low-observable features such as chined nose, carat-shaped intakes, widely canted twin fins and blended surfaces. The type also has a low infrared signature,claims Turkish Aerospace.

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

February 16, 2022

Turkish Aerospace is showing a full-scale mock-up of the TF (Turkish Fighter, known as MMU in Turkey) at the Singapore Airshow, where the design is on display for the first time. The aircraft is now in development with an aim of rolling out the first example in 2023 and flying it in 2025. Turkey sees opportunities for the aircraft and related technologies in the Asia-Pacific region, where Turkish Aerospace has sold T129 attack helicopters to the Philippines and is pursuing a sale of the Hurjet jet trainer to Malaysia with the possibility of local production.

Turkey elected to pursue a national combat aircraft in 2010 to replace the air force’s F-16s from 2030. Following evaluation of various configurations, Turkey chose a twin-engined, twin-tailed layout in 2015, with a design and development contract awarded to prime contractor Turkish Aerospace for what was then known as TF-X the following year. The program has taken on a higher priority since Turkey's removal from the F-35 program.

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