Image source: topwar.ru
The Turkish KAAN fighter, which made its first flight back in 2024, has moved to a more advanced stage of development. Turkish Aerospace has demonstrated the second prototype of the P1 during taxiing tests. He received a significantly improved airframe.
Image source: topwar.ru
The fuselage of the P1 appears to be lower than in the basic version, with shorter and more compact nose and main landing gear struts, and possibly a wider wheel track. The air intake merges more smoothly into the cheekbones of the fuselage. The central part of the plane looks wider. In front of the cockpit lamp there is a multi-faceted installation, which is the KARAT IR target search and tracking system from ASELSAN. The fairing under the front of the fuselage corresponds to the intended location of the TOYGUN electro-optical guidance system. The antennas are integrated into the airframe.
The IR sensor:
Image source: topwar.ru
The stabilizers in the tail section have a more angular shape. The tips of the vertical tail were also modified.
The developer said that the first flight of the P1 is expected within a few months. The third prototype, designated P2, is under assembly, and the company expects it to take off before the end of this year. The first deliveries to the Turkish Air Force are still scheduled for 2028, which is quite an ambitious schedule.
