The prototype of the fifth-generation stealth fighter "TF-X" built by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) recently debuted.

(The picture is taken from Ismail Demir Twitter)

[Instant News/Comprehensive Report] Turkey was expelled by the United States in 2021 from the F-35 fighter partnership plan, so it is committed to developing its own fifth-generation stealth fighter "TF-X". Recently, the Turkish Aerospace Industry ( The TF-X prototype built by TAI) debuted for the first time and will make its first flight as soon as this year.

The US online media "The Drive" military column "The War Zone" (The War Zone) reported on the 17th that Ismail Demir, director of the Turkish State Defense Industry Agency (SSB), posted a set of photos of the TF-X prototype on Twitter. , it can be seen that TF-X has been tested on the runway, and it is expected to make its first flight this year.

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The report pointed out that the TF-X prototype exposed this time is similar in appearance and aerodynamic layout to the American F-22 Raptor fighter, but its size is significantly smaller than the F-22.

The TF-X prototype is equipped with an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) similar to the American F-35 fighter jet at the nose, but it is still unclear whether it is an infrared tracking device (IRST) or has other uses.

As for the most critical part of the engine, it is reported that the TF-X prototype may use two General Electric "F110" turbofan engines authorized by the United States. However, due to the poor relationship between the United States and Turkey in recent years, TF-X may also use Transition to F110 first, and the follow-up models will be refitted with domestic engines, so as to achieve complete national machine and national manufacturing.

Şehitlerimizin aziz hatırasına! ????????



Milli Muharip Uçak'ımızı 18 Mart'ta hangardan çıkaracağız demiştik.



Uçağımız bugün pistin başında!



Cumhurbaşkanımız Sn. @RTErdogan'ın liderliğinde inşallah gök vatanımızda süzülmesine de şahit olacağız.@TUSAS_TR pic. twitter.com/cWz3q8APTl

— Ismail Demir (@IsmailDemirSSB) March 17, 2023

The TF-X prototype is equipped with an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) similar to the American F-35 fighter at the nose.

(The picture is taken from Ismail Demir Twitter)

The TF-X prototype may use two General Electric "F110" turbofan engines produced under license from the United States.

(The picture is taken from Ismail Demir Twitter)