Turkish Stars

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The first official display was performed on 5 October 1994 in Diyarbakir in a state ceremony. The team gained the status of "Squadron" by the order of Commander of Turkish Air Force in 1996. It is the youngest supersonic aerobatic team in the world.



The main objectives of Turkish Stars are: To introduce Turkish Air Force to public, abroad and at home, To represent Republic of Turkey in foreign countries, To contribute to the display of discipline and effectiveness of TUAF, To strengthen the thrust of Turkish people in Air Force, To create enthusiasm to aviation among young people.



Everybody who saw them will never forget the Team managers comment during the Display. "these pilots are the most handsome pilots in the world" this is really done with humor and believe it's a show on it's own and then: "but I am the most handsome of all" if they are in your area go to see (and listen) them. It's a very young team but they are already part of the topteams of the world.





Turkish Stars represent the high abilities and level of training of all the Turkish pilots because they are one of the very few teams which can perform with supersonic aircraft on earth. However, they use 8 aircraft in their shows, where the other teams in the supersonic category prefer 6 aircraft.





Depending on the meteorological conditions and the display area, the program of Turkish Stars consist of a delta formation of 8 aircraft a special formation of 6 aircraft and solo formations of a single aircraft and of 2 aircraft which all together fly 20 figures for 25 minutes. They haave 12 officers, one of them being the commentator and the others tactical fighter pilots are present in the squadron.



Up to present Turkish Stars have performed their displays successfully and pointed out the noticeable position of Republic of Turkey and TUAF for the peace of the world.
The Northrop F-5 : Engines: Two General Electric J85-GE-13 turbojets, rated at 2720 lb.s.t., 4080 lb.s.t. with afterburning. Performance: Maximum speed: 925 mph (Mach 1.4) at 36,000 feet. Maximum cruising speed without afterburning: 640 mph (Mach 0.97) at 36,000 feet. Stalling speed 147 mph with flaps extended. Initial climb rate 30,400 feet per minute. Service ceiling: 50,500 feet. Takeoff run: 2650 feet with two Sidewinder missiles. Landing run from 50 feet with braking parachute was 3900 feet. Range with maximum fuel was 1387 miles. Combat radius with maximum payload 195 miles. Combat radius with maximum fuel and two 530-pound bombs 558 miles. Fuel: Two internal fuel tanks composed of integral cells with total usable capacity of 583 US gallons. One 150 US gallon drop tank could be carried on the fuselage centerline pylon, two 150 US gallon droptanks could be carried underneath the underwing pylons, and a 50-gallon tank could be carried at each wingtip, bringing total fuel capacity to 1133 US gallons. Dimensions: wingspan 25 feet 3 inches, length 47 feet 2 inches, height 13 feet 2 inches, wing area 170 square feet. Weights: 8085 pounds empty, 11,477 pounds combat, 13,433 pounds gross, 20,677 pounds maximum takeoff. Armament: Armed with two 20-mm cannon in the fuselage nose. Two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles could be carried at the wingtips. Five pylons, one under the fuselage centerline and four under the wings that can carry up to 6200 pounds of ordinance or fuel tanks. A 2000-pound bomb or a gun pack can be carried from the centerline pylon. Underwing loads can include four air-to-air missiles, Bullpup air-to-surface missiles, bombs, up to 20 unguided rockets, gun packs, or external fuel tanks.