Pioneer of Turkish Flight: Vecihi Hurkuş, Innovator in Turkish Aviation
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Vecihi Hürkuş, born on January 6, 1896, in Istanbul's Arnavutköy district, was a trailblazing figure in Turkish aviation history. His contributions to the industry are still felt today, as evidenced by the TAI Hürjet, a modern Turkish aircraft named in his honour.
Hürkuş's pioneering role in Turkish aviation was recognised with the title "Türkiye'nin Baştayyarecisi" (Turkey’s Chief Aviator). This accolade came as a result of his numerous significant contributions, including the design and construction of Turkey's first domestic aircraft, the Vecihi 14.
The Vecihi 14 was a two-person, single-engine sport and training airplane that Hürkuş built in just three months in a rented lumber shop in Kadıköy. The aircraft made its first flight on September 27, 1930, above the Fikirtepe district of Kadıköy, marking a historic moment for Turkish civil aviation. This was not only Turkey's first civilian aircraft but also the second plane Hürkuş produced.
However, Hürkuş faced bureaucratic obstacles when seeking official flight permission in Turkey. When the country refused to issue flight certificates, he dismantled the Vecihi 14 and shipped it by rail to Prague, Czechoslovakia, where he obtained the necessary certifications from Czech authorities. He flew it back to Turkey on April 25, 1931.
Despite his achievements, Hürkuş's flights were eventually restricted and banned in Turkey for a time, reflecting the struggles he encountered in promoting Turkish civil aviation.
Hürkuş's legacy has been honoured in modern Turkish aviation. The TAI Hürjet, a supersonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, was named after him. The Hürjet made its maiden flight on April 25, 2023, and is intended to replace older Turkish Air Force trainer planes.
Hürkuş's life was marked by visionary projects that often faced indifference and delays. Yet, he is recognised as a foundational figure in establishing Turkey’s domestic aviation industry. His contributions extend beyond aircraft design and construction, as he also trained the first Turkish female pilot, Bedriye Gökmen, and 12 pilots at Sivil Tayyare Mektebi, the first Turkish Civil Aviation School, which he opened in 1932.
Hürkuş's story is a testament to perseverance and innovation in the face of adversity. His achievements continue to inspire and shape the future of Turkish aviation.
Vecihi Hürkuş's influence on aviation history is evident in the technology used in modern aircraft like the TAI Hürjet, as he was a pioneer in Turkish aviation, credited with designing and constructing the first domestic aircraft, the Vecihi 14. His contributions extended to fostering aviation in Turkey, as he trained the first Turkish female pilot, Bedriye Gökmen, and 12 other pilots.
