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I think KAI's development of a single-seat variant for the FA-50 is also ongoing, not canceled. Of course, I'm not sure how reliable the internet sources are, my assurance is wikipedia (lol). Still, there is no reason why they shouldn't continue, they can further improve the range and payload capacity of the aircraft by lightening the canopy.
If my memory serves me right, the former TAI GM Kotil stated in one of his television interviews that the first prototype would not be the final aircraft in terms of structural qualities, that the aircraft would be lighter in production and that its maximum lift capacity would be increased in combatant variant without compromising range and maximum speed. In addition to structural improvements, a series of avionic improvements, perhaps planned as a few blocks, would also accompany this. Since we already have a KAI example working with the same series engine in FA-50, it would be a realistic approach to estimate that the payload capacity of the light attack variant of the Hürjet could be close to 4 tons or at least over 3,5.
For example, it could be a highly capable jet that could carry two 300/370 gal nato standard drop tanks on the inner pylons and 2 medium range cruise missiles or 8 SDBs on the outer pylons, and that it could carry two A-A missiles on the wingtips and an IRST or EW mission pod under the fuselage, as well as packed with a highly efficient AESA radar. In any case, it is not the kind of long-range air-interdiction that one would expect from much larger and powerfull aircrafts, but it can reach a flight radius of approximately 1500 km with drop tanks, reach a maximum lifting capacity of around 3.5-4 tons with the developments to be made, and thanks to its qualified avionics equipment and capabilities, it can provide a cost-effective solution in many air forces of the world, including some Strike and CAP type missions.
Nevertheless, I personally wish that while AJT side have stayed on efficiency with the F404, but for the combat variant have gone with an engine with the same diameter and without a dramatic dry weight difference, but with a higher continuous maximum power output. For example single-seat, STOBAR-capable light attack jet powered by an F414. Without working another airframe, structural and avionic improvements to the extent of TAI's capabilities, as well as a 20/25% more powerful engine configuration, could lead to higher top speed limits, turn rate and climb capability, and perhaps more than double the payload capacity specified for the Hürjet AJT, making the Hürjet N/LCA one of the strongest players in the light attack aircraft market within the possible fastest way.
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on ppl.
10,000 feet altitude
