Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), TEI, and GE Aerospace are signing a Memorandum of Understanding to expand their collaboration on the advanced HÜRJET Jet Trainer Program.
- GE Aerospace’s F404 turbofan engines could be integrated into new versions of the HÜRJET program.
- The complementary capabilities of the three companies will enhance the success of HÜRJET, Turkey’s first domestically produced jet trainer.
- TEI is expected to handle the assembly, inspection, and testing processes for the F404 engines, as well as provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
GE Aerospace announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Turkish Aerospace Industries and TEI to evaluate and collaborate on integrating the F404 engine into new versions of the HÜRJET aircraft. The agreement is stated to be a continuation of the companies’ existing relationship in the HÜRJET program.
The agreement reflects the success of the HÜRJET advanced jet trainer program, the first aircraft of its kind produced in Turkey. By expanding the existing collaboration on the HÜRJET program’s first phase, this agreement supports Turkey’s advanced technology industrial infrastructure and strengthens its position as a technology and engineering hub in the defense and aerospace industry on a global scale.
Thanks to previous collaboration among the three companies, the F404 engine has been successfully integrated into the HÜRJET trainer jet, which is currently in the qualification phase with the Turkish Air Force. The HÜRJET is expected to be highly competitive in the global trainer jet market.
Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries, stated, “HÜRJET plays a critical role in modern pilot training by offering excellent performance in a single-engine, tandem seat configuration, along with modern avionics and high-performance features. We believe this Memorandum of Understanding will bring significant success to all parties involved.”
Under the agreement, the three companies have agreed to continue collaborating to explore the application of other GE Aerospace Defense and Systems engines and systems products in flight tests of new versions of the HÜRJET program. For these new versions and potential new customers, TEI is expected to provide assembly, maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities for the F404 engines in Turkey. TEI is also expected to provide engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the HÜRJET aircraft to Turkish and international customers. The agreement will also enable TEI to offer services to global F404 end-users for platforms beyond the HÜRJET aircraft.
Prof. Dr. Mahmut F. Akşit, General Manager of TEI, commented, “Over the past 40 years, TEI has become one of the largest suppliers of parts and modules for military and commercial engines for international OEMs, as well as an authorized maintenance center for various military engines used worldwide.” He added, “The agreement signed today reflects TEI’s 40 years of experience. The integrated logistics support we will provide for engines produced for one of our country’s most important aerospace programs will grow our efforts in both military and civil aviation sectors. We believe TEI’s commitment and partnership in the program will add a new success story to Turkey’s defense and aerospace industries.”
TEI produces hundreds of engine components, including turbines and compressors for CFM LEAP, GEnx, and GE9X engines, and contributes to GE Aerospace’s global supply chain by prototyping for the CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) Program.
Amy Gowder, President and CEO of GE Aerospace Defense and Systems, said, “With this Memorandum of Understanding, GE Aerospace is proud to deepen our nearly 60-year commitment to Turkey’s economic development and join in this collaboration that enhances the strengths of all parties to create a global program. As long-term partners, GE Aerospace, Turkish Aerospace Industries, and TEI will ensure the continued success of the HÜRJET program.” The fact that F404-powered aircraft are operational or ordered in a total of 16 countries and have been selected for integration into air forces around the world is a significant indicator of the F404 turbofan engines’ leading position in their class due to their versatility.
GE Aerospace has been a dedicated partner to Turkey’s aerospace sector for nearly 60 years, with over 440 employees at its offices and facilities in Istanbul, Ankara, and Gebze, and a strong presence of over 2,300 commercial and defense aircraft engines throughout Turkey. Additionally, GE Aerospace strengthens the country’s advanced aerospace and space hub by supporting engineering activities in unique programs, new engine programs, software development, and additive manufacturing with its skilled engineers at the newly opened Turkey Technology Center.
*Including CFM International engines.
**RISE is a registered trademark of CFM International.
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