IDEF 2017: Turkey signs contract for 52 Super Mushshak basic trainer aicraft

a
World Aviation Defense & Security News - Turkey
 
 
IDEF 2017: Turkey signs contract for 52 Super Mushshak basic trainer aicraft
 
Turkey’s Primary Trainer Aircraft (BEU) project aims to procure the most suitable air platform to train Turkish Air Force (TurAF) combat squadrons pilots. In order to replace aging fleet of primary trainer aircraft, the country’s Defence Industry Executive Committee signed on May 10 a contract with Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) for the procurement of 52 MFI-17 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.
     
The PAC MFI-17 Super Mushshak showaced at IDEAS 2016 in Karachi, Pakistan
     
Under this $50 mn, PAC will deliver the aircraft in three batches – the first one in 2017, the second in 2018 while the last batch will be delivered in 2019.

The 52 Super Mushshaks will replace the TurAF aging fleets of T-41D Mescalero and SF-260D aircraft. After the tender process, the Defence Industry Executive Committee authorized the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) to launch contract negociations with PAC in August 2016.

With this contract, Turkey will be the first NATO country to operate the Super Mushshak in its air force inventory.

The Super Mushshak primary trainer aircraft is a more advanced, upgraded variant of the MFI-17 Mushshak. It was designed and is being manufactured by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.

The aircraft is powered by a Textron Lycoming IO-540 V4A5 (260hp), allowing a maximum speed of 268 km/h and a cruise speed of 240 km/h. It has a range of 814 km and a endurance of about 4 hours.