The Libyan Air Force (LAF) has signed an agreement with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), for the acquisition of the Hürkuş-C light trainer and combat aircraft.
The deal was signed on May 19 between LAF Chief of Staff Major General Mohammed Al-Sifaw Quilt and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) officials. No details were given on an expected delivery schedule.
This deal makes Libya the second user of the Turkish-made plane. Last year, TUSAŞ sold Hürkuş-B aircraft to Niger, whose deliveries are expected to begin shortly. The type is also in use by the Turkish Air Force.
The Hurkus-A first flew in August 2013 and the aircraft is in production for the Turkish military. The aircraft is powered by a PT6A-68T turboprop, the aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of more than 570 km/h, an endurance of over four hours and a range of nearly 1 500 km.
The Hürkuş-C is the attack variant of the Hürkuş-B trainer aircraft. It is equipped with six external hardpoints (3 under each wing) capable of carrying a payload of 1,500 kilograms to be used for close air support and ground attack missions.
The aircraft is capable of carrying Roketsan UMTAS anti-tank guided missiles, Roketsan Cirit laser-guided rockets, an electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) pod (likely the Aselsan Common Aperture Targeting System or CATS), and external fuel tanks.
The Hürkuş-C is also equipped with an advanced FLIR system manufactured by the Turkish defense company Aselsan and reaches a top speed of 574 km/h.
