Turkish Stars

About the Team

The Turkish Stars, officially known as Türk Yıldızları, serve as the aerobatic demonstration team of the Turkish Air Force and represent Turkey in aerial acrobatics. Established on November 7, 1992, the team adopted its iconic name on January 11, 1993. Notably, the Turkish Stars are among the few national aerobatic teams globally that operate supersonic aircraft, flying with seven Canadair NF-5 fighter jets obtained from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The team maintains a total of twelve NF-5 aircraft, ensuring operational readiness and flexibility.

Stationed at the Konya Air Base, which falls under the command of the 3rd Main Jet Base Group, the Turkish Stars utilize various support aircraft, including CASA/IPTN CN-235, C-130, C-160, and an A400M, all adorned in the team’s distinctive colors. As part of ongoing modernization initiatives within the Turkish Air Force, plans are underway to replace the NF-5 aircraft with domestically produced TAI Hurjet in the mid-2020s, thus enhancing the team’s capabilities and performance.

One of the Turkish Stars’ most remarkable achievements occurred on August 24, 2001, when they performed an airshow in Baku, Azerbaijan, attended by over one million spectators, a feat that set a world record for the largest audience at an aviation event. The team has become a symbol of national pride, showcasing Turkey’s advanced aviation technology and the skill of its pilots through breathtaking aerial displays.

Team Overview

About the aircraft

The Canadair NF-5A is a single-seat fighter variant of the CF-5A, developed for the Royal Netherlands Air Force as part of the Northrop F-5 family. Designed in the late 1950s, the NF-5A emphasizes performance and low maintenance costs, powered by two General Electric J85 engines. While primarily intended for air superiority, the aircraft also serves as a capable ground-attack platform, making it a popular choice for various air forces around the world.

In the early 1990s, Turkey acquired several NF-5A aircraft from the Netherlands, which were subsequently modified for the Turkish Stars Aerobatic Team. These modifications included the removal of specific components to reduce drag, enhancements to cockpit visibility, and the conversion of fuel tanks into paint tanks for smoke generation during aerial displays. The upgraded NF-5A 2000 aircraft have been in use since 2010, with the Turkish Stars operating a fleet that includes ten NF-5A 2000 and six NF-5B 2000 aircraft.

The NF-5A features a length of 47.2 feet and a maximum speed of 710 knots (1,315 km/h). It is powered by two J85 engines, providing a thrust of 4,300 pounds each. The aircraft is designed for agility and performance, with a G limit of +7.33 and a turning radius of 4,800 feet at 0.82 Mach, making it well-suited for aerobatic maneuvers and aerial demonstrations.

Team History

The origins of the Turkish Stars can be traced back to the establishment of the Turkish Air Force in 1911, a period characterized by significant military conflicts, including the Balkan Wars, World War I, and the subsequent War of Independence. During World War I, Turkish aviators played pivotal roles across various theaters of operation, demonstrating their capabilities and laying the groundwork for future advancements in aviation.

The history of aerobatics within the Turkish Air Force began shortly after its inception. On March 5, 1914, Pilot Lieutenant Fazıl Bey executed a spin maneuver at an altitude of 400 meters, marking one of the first recorded aerobatic feats by Turkish aviators. This event sparked a growing interest in aerobatics among pilots, leading to further experimentation with acrobatic maneuvers.

As the Republic was established in 1923, the Turkish Air Force underwent significant restructuring and modernization. On July 1, 1932, aviation personnel were designated as a separate combat class, and by the 1940s, the Air Force had expanded its fleet to approximately 500 aircraft. The establishment of the Turkish Air Force Command on January 31, 1944, marked a pivotal moment in consolidating air units under a unified command structure, facilitating operational efficiency and strategic planning.

The first official aerobatic team in the Turkish Air Force, known as Milli Çağrı, was formed in 1952 at the Balıkesir 9th Air Base Command, utilizing F-84 G Thunderjet aircraft. This team operated until 1962, achieving significant success in domestic and international airshows, including performances in Italy and Belgium. Following Milli Çağrı, several other aerobatic teams emerged, including the Flying Swans, established in 1955, which utilized F-86 E Sabre aircraft adorned with red and white swan motifs. The Flying Swans gained recognition for their impressive displays and operated until 1965.

The late 1950s and early 1960s saw the establishment of additional aerobatic teams, such as AKREP, which operated from 1957 to 1959, and Bats, formed in 1964. Each team contributed to the rich legacy of Turkish military aviation, performing at various domestic and international events. However, by the early 1970s, the Turkish Air Force had not maintained a dedicated aerobatic team for nearly two decades.

In response to a growing interest in aerobatic displays and the need to showcase the capabilities of the modern Turkish Air Force, plans were initiated to re-establish an aerobatic team. On September 11, 1992, approval was granted to form a new team within the 3rd Main Jet Base’s 132nd Weapon Tactics and Standardized Squadron Command. Training commenced on December 25, 1992, with four NF-5 aircraft, marking the rebirth of aerobatic excellence in the Turkish Air Force.

The Turkish Stars made their official debut on June 18, 1993, at the 4th Main Jet Base Command in Akıncı, Ankara, with a performance featuring four NF-5A/B Freedom Fighter aircraft. This initial display garnered significant attention and acclaim, leading to the team achieving “Squadron” status shortly thereafter. In August 1993, the NF-5A/B aircraft underwent modifications and repainting at the 1st Air Supply and Maintenance Center Command, further enhancing their visual appeal and performance capabilities.

The first public introduction of the Turkish Stars took place on October 5, 1994, during a six-plane display at the 8th Main Jet Base Command in Diyarbakır, followed by a notable performance during the Republic Day celebrations on October 29, 1994. The Turkish Stars reached a significant milestone with their first seven-plane display on April 20, 1995, during the Distinguished Observer Day as part of the Distant Thunder-95 Exercise at the 1st Main Jet Base Command in Eskişehir.

As the Turkish Stars continued to gain recognition, they celebrated their 100th show on October 29, 2000, at the Atatürk Cultural Center in Ankara. Subsequent milestones included their 200th show on July 3, 2004, in Rize, their 300th performance on August 5, 2008, at the Florennes International Airshow in Belgium, their 400th show on November 15, 2012, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and their 500th display on August 30, 2016, in Afyonkarahisar during the 96th anniversary of the Great Offensive.

As of 2018, the Turkish Stars had performed a total of 513 shows, with 370 displays in 96 different provinces and districts across Turkey and 143 performances in 24 countries worldwide. The team currently operates with a fleet of ten modernized NF-5A 2000 and six NF-5 2000 Freedom Fighter aircraft, showcasing their capabilities in various show packages: High, Low, and Flat. These packages are adapted based on weather conditions, with the High Show Package flown at altitudes above 9,000 feet, the Low Show Package at 4,000 feet, and the Flat Show Package at 1,000 feet.

The Turkish Stars continue to captivate audiences with their breathtaking aerial displays, executing complex maneuvers with precision and skill. Pilots experience forces of approximately 5.5 to 6 G during collective movements and between -3 to +7.33 G in solo maneuvers, all while flying at speeds ranging from 200 to 520 knots (370 to 960 km/h). The team’s dedication to excellence, coupled with their commitment to showcasing the prowess of Turkish aviation, has solidified their status as “The Brave Wings of the Turkish Nation.” With a dedicated team of seven pilots, ground crew, and maintenance personnel, the Turkish Stars remain a source of national pride and an enduring symbol of Turkey’s aviation heritage.

Did You Know?

• The Turkish Stars, the national aerobatics team of Turkey, was officially formed in 1992 and quickly became known for flying supersonic aircraft.
• The team operates from the Konya Air Base, which is part of the 3rd Main Jet Base Group Command, and performs their displays with a fleet of Canadair NF-5 fighter planes.
• On August 24, 2001, the Turkish Stars set a world record by performing an airshow for over one million spectators in Baku, Azerbaijan.
• The Turkish Air Force, founded in 1911, has a rich history that includes significant contributions during World War I and the War of Independence.
• The Turkish Stars have performed over 500 shows globally, showcasing their aerobatic skills in 24 different countries.