It is true that no eastern plane will be a solution for TuAF. Chinese and Russian planes have so many drawbacks for us that, it is just not worth it.
Our way out is, through our own production of TFX and Hurjet.
I only hope that we have the f404 engines for the prototypes, in hand and that we have secured the supply of these engines for the serial production phase as well. What I would like to know is if we are going to use the standard f404 with 17700lbf thrust or the IN20 that was produced for the Hal Tejas version with 20200lbf? If it is the former, then Hurjet can not go beyond a trainer aircraft. If it is the latter, then we can have a good mini F16 for ourselves.
I would really like one of these so called “defence experts” who interview the likes of I. Demir or T. Kotil, to ask them ;
1. Have we got f404 in hand , and if we have, which version?
2. Have we got insurances from GE that the supply line for engines for Hurjet will not be jeopardised in the future?
3. Where are we with our indigenous engine for TFX? Is RR going to help us out with this engine?
These two programs can not go beyond happy exercises of self satisfaction, if we do not have solid line of engine supply for them. So it is almost as important as the plane itself that we have an engine that will go in to these flying machines.
My only positive note on this is the fact that having been hit with a case like Altay and Firtina and now coming up with Utku and Batu solutions, our guys in SSB are not going to fall for the same mistake twice.
But If only they would enlighten us a bit as well.
Our way out is, through our own production of TFX and Hurjet.
I only hope that we have the f404 engines for the prototypes, in hand and that we have secured the supply of these engines for the serial production phase as well. What I would like to know is if we are going to use the standard f404 with 17700lbf thrust or the IN20 that was produced for the Hal Tejas version with 20200lbf? If it is the former, then Hurjet can not go beyond a trainer aircraft. If it is the latter, then we can have a good mini F16 for ourselves.
I would really like one of these so called “defence experts” who interview the likes of I. Demir or T. Kotil, to ask them ;
1. Have we got f404 in hand , and if we have, which version?
2. Have we got insurances from GE that the supply line for engines for Hurjet will not be jeopardised in the future?
3. Where are we with our indigenous engine for TFX? Is RR going to help us out with this engine?
These two programs can not go beyond happy exercises of self satisfaction, if we do not have solid line of engine supply for them. So it is almost as important as the plane itself that we have an engine that will go in to these flying machines.
My only positive note on this is the fact that having been hit with a case like Altay and Firtina and now coming up with Utku and Batu solutions, our guys in SSB are not going to fall for the same mistake twice.
But If only they would enlighten us a bit as well.
Last edited: