Bayraktar Kizilelma successfully completes flight test with afterburner

Bayraktar Kizilelma, Türkiye’s first unmanned combat aircraft developed by Baykar, successfully completed an aerodynamic system identification test after taking off with an afterburner.

The flight test was conducted as part of the ongoing development process and took place at the Akinci Flight Training and Test Center in Corlu, Tekirdag.

Milestone test for Türkiye’s first unmanned fighter jet

Baykar announced that the production prototype, with tail number TC-OZB3, executed the test flight according to schedule.

The aircraft, which used an afterburner during takeoff, successfully completed aerodynamic system identification activities.

Bayraktar Kizilelma‘s development continues with improvements based on experience from early prototypes.

Structural reinforcements have been made, the avionics architecture has been upgraded, and an alternative afterburner-equipped engine has been successfully integrated into the aircraft.

Bayraktar Kizilelma is expected to approach supersonic speeds with its powerful new engine. Enhanced aerodynamics will allow for greater maneuverability at high velocities, while its AESA radar system will provide advanced situational awareness for complex combat missions.

Record-breaking timeline from development to flight

The Bayraktar Kizilelma project began in 2021.

The aircraft’s prototype, bearing tail number TC-OZB, rolled off the production line on Nov. 14, 2022, and was transferred to the Corlu-based test center.

After completing its ground tests, Bayraktar Kizilelma made its maiden flight on Dec. 14, 2022—just one year after the project launch.

Service Ceiling: 45.000 feet	Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 8500 kg
Payload Capacity: 1500 kg	Take Off/Landing/Cruise/Taxi: Autonomous
Wingspan: 10 m	Power Plant: Turbofan Engine
Length: 14.5 m	Payload-ISR: Electro-Optical Targeting System, IR Search and Track System, Multi Mode AESA Radar
Height: 3.5 m	Payload-Weapons: Laser Guided Munitions, Missiles and Long Range Cruise Missiles Versions Subsonic, Transonic and Supersonic
Maximum Speed: 0.9 mach	Cruise Speed: 0.6 mach
Communication: Line of Sight (LOS) & Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS)	Endurance: 3+ hours
Operational Altitude: 25.000 feet

Baykar’s leading role in global UAV industry

Baykar has conducted all its projects with domestic resources, earning a dominant position in the international defense industry. Since initiating its UAV research and development efforts in 2003, the company has generated 83% of its revenue from exports.

In 2023, Baykar reported $1.8 billion in exports, ranking among Türkiye’s top 10 exporting companies.

The company continued this success into 2024, securing 90% of its revenue from exports. Baykar remains the world’s largest UAV manufacturer and the top exporter in Türkiye’s defense and aerospace sector.

Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar Akinci unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) have been delivered to 35 countries.

The Bayraktar TB2 has been adopted by 34 nations, while the Bayraktar Akinci is operational in 10 countries, with further international sales expected.

Holding a 60% share of the global UAV market, Türkiye commands 65% of the worldwide drone industry. Baykar has surpassed American competitors in UAV production for four consecutive years, making it the world’s leading UAV manufacturer.