Turkish Aerospace's Kaan Fighter Achieves Milestone with Afterburner Test

The Kaan fighter jet, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), has reached a significant milestone by successfully activating its afterburner system on both engines during ground tests on December 6, 2024. This achievement marks a critical step in its development, demonstrating the jet's ability to achieve rapid acceleration and sustained supersonic speeds, essential for modern air combat scenarios.

Afterburners, which work by injecting fuel into the jet's exhaust stream, provide an additional thrust boost, allowing for unparalleled performance. This milestone underlines the technical sophistication and engineering excellence behind the Kaan's development.

Key Specifications of the Kaan Fighter Jet:

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 21 meters (69 feet)
  • Wingspan: 14 meters (46 feet)
  • Height: 6 meters (20 feet)
  • Wing Area: 60 square meters (646 square feet)

• Weight:

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 27,215 kilograms (60,000 pounds)

• Engines:

  • 2 x General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofans
  • Dry Thrust: 76.31 kN per engine
  • Afterburner Thrust: 131 kN per engine

• Performance:

  • Top Speed: Mach 1.8
  • Range: Approximately 1,100 kilometers
  • Service Ceiling: 55,000 feet

• Armament:

  • 1 x 20mm internal automatic cannon
  • Capability to deploy a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions
  • Internal weapon bays for stealth missions
  • Optional external hardpoints for additional weaponry

The Kaan stands out as a fifth-generation fighter, integrating cutting-edge stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and exceptional maneuverability. It has been designed to meet the operational requirements of the Turkish Air Force and place Türkiye among the select nations capable of producing such advanced fighter jets.

Following two successful flights earlier this year, the afterburner test represents another leap forward in the jet's development. This test demonstrates the aircraft's resilience under extreme conditions, including high temperatures and intense vibrations, setting the stage for further operational testing.

Turkish Aerospace leadership has emphasized that this achievement is not just a technological milestone but also a testament to the teamwork and dedication driving the Kaan project. The fighter jet is on track to become a cornerstone of the Turkish Air Force, with deployment anticipated by the end of the decade.