For the first time ever the newest 5th generation Turkish multirole jet fighter, the TF-X, is shown at the Paris Air Show 2019. The platform is being developed to meet the future requirements of the Turkish Air Force.
The full scale mockup of the Turkish TF-X 5th generation multirole fighter jet, which should take to the sky by 2025 /Picture: Michal Jarocki
TF-X is developed by TAI and other local companies in response to the Turkish Air Force requirement for a new generation multirole platform, which eventually will replace the currently operated F-16 jets. However, it still remains unclear, what role will the TF-X play in regards to F-35A Lightning II jets, which Turkey was supposed to procure until the late political disrupt with the U.S. over the planned procurement by Ankara of the Russian S-400 air-and-missile defence systems.
According to the manufacturer, the TF-X will have a length of 21 m, wingspan of 14 m and height of 6 m. The aircraft should reach the max speed of 1,8 Mach and have a service ceiling of 55, 000 ft.
Platform’s design will be characterized by stealth, internal weapons bay, increased situational awareness, supercruise and sensor fusion. The first flight of TF-X’s prototype is planned for 2025. The platform should be commissioned in 2020’.
