# Libya orders Hürkuş-C light combat aircraft from Turkey

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2022/06/libya-orders-hurkus-c-light-combat-aircraft-from-turkey/
- Published: 2022-06-08T09:26:11+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

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.

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This deal makes Libya the second user of the Turkish-made plane. Last year, [TUSAŞ sold Hürkuş-B aircraft to Niger](https://www.military.africa/2021/11/niger-becomes-turkeys-first-customer-for-hurkus-aircraft),
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.

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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.

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