The Bayraktar TB3, Türkiye’s domestically developed unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), made history by successfully taking off and landing from the Turkish Navy’s short-runway carrier, TCG Anadolu, on November 19.
Per the Turkish Defense Ministry, the UCAV underwent a series of rigorous tests before conducting its historic 46-minute flight over the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
The prototype, Bayraktar TB3 PT2, performed the takeoff using an inclined ramp and later completed a smooth landing without relying on any support equipment.
The Bayraktar TB3, developed by Turkish defence manufacturer Baykar, is the first drone of its kind to operate from a short-runway vessel.
Selcuk Bayraktar, Baykar’s chairman and CTO, shared the accomplishment on social media, with footage of the successful takeoff and landing of the drone from the carrier.
Sevda kuşun kanadında..
TCG-ANADOLU’ya ilk iniş-kalkış..#BayraktarTB3
pic.twitter.com/sfBMQDIyE0
— Selçuk Bayraktar (@Selcuk) November 19, 2024
Video Credits: Selçuk Bayraktar/X
Baykar said the TB3 underwent comprehensive ramp and approach tests at its Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, Edirne, before moving to sea trials on TCG Anadolu.
Powered by the domestically produced PD-170 engine from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the Bayraktar TB3 has demonstrated advanced performance metrics, including a high-altitude flight reaching 36,310 feet and over 700 hours of testing.
Despite falling short of the altitude record set by its predecessor, the Bayraktar Akıncı, the TB3 has proven its long-endurance capabilities, completing a 32-hour flight covering 5,700 kilometres in December 2023.
Equipped with six underwing hardpoints, the TB3 can carry precision-guided munitions, rockets, and sensors, making it ideal for reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions.
The drone’s anticipated range of 1,000 miles and 24-hour endurance enables it to strengthen Türkiye’s maritime defence capabilities.
The TCG Anadolu, designed as a multipurpose amphibious assault ship, was recently optimised for drone operations. Planned upgrades include satellite communication terminals, drone control stations, and arresting gear systems.
Additionally, Türkiye’s focus on drones has gained global recognition, with Baykar reporting $1.8 billion in exports in 2023. The company has agreements with over 35 countries for its UAVs, strengthening Türkiye’s leadership in the global drone market.
The Bayraktar TB3’s success signals a new era in naval aviation, with plans to integrate advanced drones like the jet-powered Kızılelma into the Turkish Navy.
References: TurkiyeToday, The War Zone
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