(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Short Take-Off Landing (STOL) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) “Bayraktar TB3,” designed to operate on the world’s first drone carrier, the TCG Anadolu, has successfully completed its ninth test flight, reaching an altitude of 20,000 feet.
This accomplishment is a source of pride for the drone developed by the Turkish company Baykar, which conducted its maiden flight just last October, coinciding with Turkey’s centennial celebration.
The Bayraktar TB3 represents the latest variant of the Bayraktar TB2 drone, specifically designed by the company to operate from the world’s first drone carrier, the TCG Anadolu of the Turkish Navy.
The joint operation of the Bayraktar TB3 with the TCG Anadolu will enhance Turkey’s maritime capabilities in its efforts to become a regional power with power projection capabilities beyond its borders.
Launched in April, the Amphibious Assault Ship TCG Anadolu is the largest vessel owned by the Turkish Naval Forces, with a total weight exceeding 27,000 tons.
It is expected to carry unmanned fighter aircraft, the “Kizilelma,” also developed by Baykar.
The “Kizilelma,” which conducted its inaugural flight late last year, is capable of performing various missions and operations, including Close Air Support (CAS), guided bullet attacks, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD), and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD) from the TCG Anadolu.
The Bayraktar TB3 drone will undergo further testing with its tenth flight and is expected to commence takeoff and landing tests from the TCG Anadolu next year alongside the Kizilelma.
This new Turkish drone is equipped with more powerful engines manufactured by the Turkish defense industry, reinforced landing systems, and foldable wings to enable operations from drone carriers.
Regarding the technical specifications of the Bayraktar TB3, it has a wingspan of 14 meters and a body length of 8 meters.
With a Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW) of 1,450 kg and powered by a PD170 172-horsepower engine, the Bayraktar TB3 can fly up to 2,000 km and operate continuously for 24 hours.
Featuring six hardpoints under its wings, the Bayraktar TB3 can carry various weapon systems, including guided anti-armor missiles, laser-guided rockets, and smart bombs.
As a Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) drone, it conducted its maiden flight at the Corlu Flight Training and Test Center.
In addition to its role in attack missions, the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV also serves as an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) asset with Beyond-Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) communication capabilities.
Besides operating from aircraft carriers, the STOL drone is capable of operating from short runways in urban or remote locations.
The TCG Anadolu LHD was originally intended to operate fifth-generation F-35B (Vertical Short Take Off and Landing – VSTOL) fighter aircraft owned by Turkey.
However, due to Turkey’s decision to acquire the S-400 “Triumf” air defense system from Russia, the United States has taken action to remove Ankara from the list of F-35 user nations. — DSA
DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA APPS
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