SOLOTÜRK is a single-pilot air demonstration team within the Turkish Air Force. Performing its first show in 2011, the team showcases high-performance aerobatic maneuvers with an F-16C Block 40 fighter jet. Representing the Turkish Air Force in both domestic and international events, SOLOTÜRK's main objective is to introduce the training level of Turkish pilots and the modern structure of the Air Force to the public.

^{F-16C Block 40 Solotürk (}^Pexels⁾

Historical Development

The SOLOTÜRK project was initiated in 2009 as part of the Turkish Air Force's 100th anniversary celebrations. Presenting its first show in 2011, the team showcases not only an air show but also the superior skills of Turkish pilots and the power of Turkish engineering. Advanced techniques such as inverted flight, steep climbs, high-G maneuvers, and low passes are used in the demonstrations.

Pilots Who Served

The pilots serving in SOLOTÜRK are carefully selected from among the most elite pilots of the Turkish Air Force. These pilots stand out for both their aerobatic skills and their technical knowledge. Some of the important pilots who have served in SOLOTÜRK are:

Captain Yusuf Kurt
Captain Murat Keleş
Captain Erhan Günar
Major Emre Mert
Major Serdar Doğan

^{SOLOTÜRK 2024 Show (}^YouTube⁾

Technical Information

The F-16C Block 40 fighter jet used in SOLOTÜRK demonstrations is powered by a General Electric F110-GE-100 engine. The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics systems, radar, electronic warfare, and navigation equipment. Thanks to its aerodynamic structure suitable for aerobatic maneuvers, it can perform extraordinary maneuvers during demonstrations.

Social and Cultural Impacts

SOLOTÜRK increases interest in the aviation field, especially among younger generations, strengthens the Turkish people's sense of national pride, and makes significant contributions to Turkey's promotion in the international arena.

^{F-16C Block 40 Solotürk (}^Pexels⁾

Additional Information

The show schedule can be accessed from the official website of the Turkish Air Force.
Show videos and photos are shared on social media platforms.

Bibliographies

Defence Turkey. “SOLOTÜRK ‘Turkey's Pride in the Skies’.” Defence Turkey. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/soloturk-turkey-s-pride-in-the-skies-1655.

European Airshows. “SOLOTÜRK to Perform Finnish Debut Display in Vaasa.” European Airshows. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.europeanairshows.co.uk/news/soloturk-to-perform-finnish-debut-display-in-vaasa.

İHA. “Turkish Air Force's Flight Demonstration Team SOLOTÜRK Has Been Making its Mark in the Skies for 10 Years.” YouTube. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkSj0Q8PCO0.

İTÜ Savtek. “Turkish Aerobatic Teams.” İTÜ Savtek. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.itusavtek.com/post/t%C3%BCrk-akrobasi-ti-mleri.

Pexels. “Dynamic F-16 Fighter Jet Air Show.” Pexels. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.pexels.com/tr-tr/fotograf/dinamik-f-16-savas-ucagi-hava-gosterimi-29285852/.

Pexels. “High-Speed Jet Pass in the Sky.” Pexels. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.pexels.com/tr-tr/fotograf/28309862/.

Sabah. “Turkey's Signature in the Sky, SOLOTÜRK, Turns 11.” Sabah. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.sabah.com.tr/video/turkiye/turkiyenin-gokyuzundeki-imzasi-soloturk-11-yasinda-video.

SOLOTÜRK. “SOLOTÜRK 2024 Display Pilot ‘009’ Major Yasin DİKKULE.” YouTube. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-F1cjl-Qbo.

Turkish Air Force Command. “SOLOTÜRK Pilots.” Turkish Air Force. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.hvkk.tsk.tr/.

SOLOTÜRK