What engine does HÜRJET use? The F404 explained
Short answer: HÜRJET is powered by one General Electric F404 turbofan. TUSAŞ’s official data sheet lists the engine as GE F404-104 with 17,700 lb of thrust (about 78.7 kN). It is an imported, afterburning engine and gives the aircraft its Mach 1.4 top speed. KAAN, Türkiye’s fifth-generation fighter, uses a different and larger engine, the GE F110.
For a jet trainer the engine decides the speed class, the cost per flying hour and the maintenance chain. TUSAŞ made this choice at the start of the programme, and it is what allows HÜRJET to be supersonic.
Manufacturer and type
| Item | Value (official TUSAŞ data) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Electric (USA) |
| Model | F404 family — TUSAŞ data sheet: GE F404-104 |
| Type | Afterburning turbofan |
| Number of engines | 1 |
| Thrust | 17,700 lb (≈78.7 kN) |
| Resulting top speed | Mach 1.4 |
| Rate of climb | 48,500 ft/min |
| Origin | Imported |
Why the F404?
The F404 has powered the F/A-18 Hornet since the late 1970s, South Korea’s T-50/FA-50 and, as the RM12 derivative, Sweden’s Gripen C/D. It is one of the most flown fighter engines in the world: mature, with an established logistics base, and with enough thrust for a single-engine trainer. Choosing it also put HÜRJET in direct comparison with the T-50, which uses the same engine.
Is the engine Turkish-made?
No. The F404 is imported. TUSAŞ and the SSB have not published any timeline for a different engine on HÜRJET. Türkiye’s engine maker TEI is developing domestic turbofans, but there is no official statement linking them to HÜRJET.
Is it the same engine as KAAN’s?
No. KAAN’s prototypes use the General Electric F110 class, a larger and more powerful engine sized for a twin-engine fifth-generation fighter. HÜRJET’s F404 is sized for a single-engine trainer and light-attack aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
Which engine does HÜRJET use?
A single General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan; GE F404-104 on TUSAŞ’s data sheet.
How much thrust does it produce?
17,700 lb, about 78.7 kN.
Who makes it?
General Electric, USA. The engine is imported.
Is it the same as KAAN’s engine?
No. KAAN uses the F110 class; HÜRJET uses the F404.
Related reading
- What is HÜRJET?
- HÜRJET technical specifications
- HÜRJET vs M-346 Master
- When will HÜRJET enter service?
- How many HÜRJET will Türkiye buy?
Sources: TUSAŞ official HÜRJET product page and press releases; Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) 2024-2028 Sectoral Strategy Document; SSB President Prof. Haluk Görgün’s statement of 30 August 2026; TSKGV; AA/DHA. Updated as official statements are released.
