TAI TF-X (MMU) is the first fighter aircraft designed in Turkey. Turkey has started ground assessments of the new stealth TF-X fighter jet, also called MMU (National Combat Aircraft). The aircraft began taxi tests, anticipating the planned landing ceremony.
Images released by Turkish media this Friday (17) show the prototype on a runway surrounded by jet maker Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ). These are also the first photos of the plane from the production line.
According to the Defense Industry portal, the TF-X/MMU started both engines and taxied under its power, making it the first successful taxi of the new aircraft. The aircraft will also make its maiden flight in 2023, two years ahead of schedule.
The Jet received a gray paint job with darker tones on the front of the fuselage and lighter colors on the radome, intakes, and rear body air. The aircraft is propelled by US engines: General Electric F110-GE-129E, each producing 29 lbs of thrust in afterburning mode. However, the F110s will only be used in prototypes or first production models, as Turkey has developed a more powerful and advanced engine for its fighter jet.
The TF-X program was launched in 2010, shortly after the Turkish government decided to design and manufacture a domestic 5th-generation fighter jet to replace the local fleet of F-16 fighter jets. Turkey's removal from the war program in 2019 gave a great impetus to the program. Although similar in design to the F-22 Raptor, the first three MMU prototypes, Block 0 and Block 1 will be 4.5 generation aircraft.
Source:
https://www.aeroflap.com.br/en/stealth-fighter-images-tf-x-turkish-leaves-the-production-line-and-taxis-for-the-first-time/
