Türkiye "Free Bird" - II turboprop trainer. Data picture At the end of last year, Türkiye Aerospace Corporation announced that the "Free Bird" - II turboprop trainer for pilot training of Türkiye Air Force had successfully made its first flight. This machine is the latest version after the "Freedom Bird" - A, B, and C. Training military pilots is a gradual process that can be roughly divided into four stages: screening and primary training, intermediate/basic training, advanced training, and modification (aircraft type conversion) training. Each training stage is supported by a corresponding model and level of trainer aircraft. Türkiye's air force has formed its own training system at the beginning of the 21st century - the low-cost gasoline piston powered T-41D primary trainer is used to undertake the flight introduction experience and pilot screening, the SF-260D and ST-1T turboprop primary trainer is used for primary/basic training, and the T-38M advanced trainer is used for advanced training. Over time, the problems with this system have become prominent, such as the excessive number of models used for entry-level and primary training, limited performance of advanced trainer aircraft, and significant aging of the trainer fleet. Therefore, Türkiye plans to replace some old models with three new trainers by 2030, so as to upgrade the trainers. One important aspect is to equip new junior trainer aircraft, allowing trainees to complete basic to intermediate flight skills learning on the same aircraft type, and then upgrade to advanced trainer aircraft, in order to reduce conversion costs and improve the adaptability of flight trainees, achieving the goal of improving the pilot training system. According to this idea, Türkiye has purchased 39 KT-1T primary turboprop trainers, but the number is far from enough. Based on the scale and needs of its air force, Türkiye decided to achieve "freedom" in the use of primary trainers through independent research and development. In 2006, it launched the research and development of a domestic turboprop trainer/close support aircraft named "Freedom Bird". This aircraft was developed based on the KT-1T turboprop junior trainer aircraft, with the main difference being the modification of the main wing tip configuration, the use of a more powerful engine, and the adoption of the Martin Beck MK16-T6 ejection seat. The aircraft adopts a dual cabin layout with front and rear series connection, equipped with a cabin pressurization system, installed with a fully digital avionics system kit, and uses some domestically produced electronic communication systems to meet future upgrade needs. The first "Freedom Bird" turboprop trainer completed its maiden flight in 2013. In 2016, the aircraft began mass production and was delivered to the Türkiye Air Force. Among them, the "Freedom Bird" - A, B, and C types are respectively civilian, military, and trainer/attack types. The "Freedom Bird" turboprop trainer is capable of conducting all-weather basic flight training, instrument flight, navigation training, and formation training, and can carry out various training activities such as mounting weapons and auxiliary fuel tanks. Its comprehensive avionics system can provide good training for medium and high-speed flight skills. Its digital virtual and information-based training mode can analyze and interpret the training effectiveness of students throughout the entire process, and then formulate targeted training plans. The "Free Bird" - II turboprop trainer is the latest model designed for the needs of Türkiye's air force. It has improved its aerodynamic layout, reduced its weight, and replaced Martin Beck MKT-16N ejection seat. The cockpit cover, cooling system, hydraulic pump, communication system and IFF system are all locally produced, and the localization rate has significantly increased. Relevant parties in Türkiye claim that this aircraft will become one of the strongest aerobatics aircraft of its kind. Whether this goal can be achieved or not will be put aside. One undeniable point is that Türkiye is likely to achieve "freedom" in the use of elementary trainers through continuous optimization of "free birds". In the future, it will not only become the main force of Türkiye's junior trainer, but also be possible to enter the international market. (New Society)