National Combat Aircraft hit the runway, started the engine!

There has been a pleasing development for the long-awaited domestic warplane TF-X/ MMU. According to the images that emerged today, the National Combat Aircraft first took to the runway and then started the engine. We will see it take off this year, as the project schedule has been set two years earlier. Here are all the details…

The National Combat Aircraft first took to the runway, then started the engine!

TAI continues to work for Hürjet and National Combat Aircraft after Hürkuş. A video of the Hürjet prototype, whose assembly process was completed in the past days, was taken out of the hangar and started the engine was shared.

The National Combat Aircraft, on the other hand, would come 2 years behind Hürjet in the normal calendar. However, TUSAŞ general manager Temel Kotil said that the work progressed faster than expected, and that almost all parts, from flight control systems to the engine, from the hydraulics to the landing gear, were integrated without the slightest problem.

However, according to the current calendar shared for MMU, the first flight date seems to be October 2025, but he stated that it will take place at the end of 2023. Later, on February 22, although the images and video were not shared, it was said that the engine started after the integration work was completed.

As a matter of fact, as you can see from the images shared by the defense industry press today, the National Combat Aircraft first took to the runway and then started the engine. However, it should be noted that the stages such as cutting wheels and the first flight have not been passed yet. Nevertheless, there will be important developments for both Hürjet and National Combat Aircraft in 2023.

MMU/ TF-X features

• Length: 21 meters
• wingspan: 14 meters
• Height: 6 meters
• Impulse: 2x 29,000 or 2x 32,500 lb (2x F110)
• service ceiling: 55,000+ ft
• Maximum speed: 1.8 Mach
• G limits: +9g / -3.5g
• Avionics: ASELSAN’s domestic AESA radar integrated RF system (BURFIS)
• SAR (Synthetic aperture radar system)
• IRST (Infrared seek and track) sensor
• EOTS (Electro-optical targeting system)
• Helmet mounted sight system
• Other:
  • High maneuverability and a powerful propulsion system
  • supernavigation capability
  • Long radius of action
  • Low visibility on radar
  • Sensor fusion
  • Advanced data link capabilities
  • Ability to fire high precision ammunition

The National Combat Aircraft first took to the runway, then started the engine. What do you think about this subject? Do you think TF-X/MMU will be able to take off in 2023 according to the new schedule? Don’t forget to share your views with us in the comments!