Baykar’s Bayraktar TB3 UAV sets new altitude record

Baykar’s achievement with its domestically produced Bayraktar TB3 UAV, breaking altitude records and showcasing Türkiye’s prowess in defense technology, marks a significant milestone in advancing the country’s capabilities

Baykar, a leading Turkish defense company, has achieved a significant milestone with its domestically developed armed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Bayraktar TB3.

The UAV, powered by a domestically produced engine, soared to a record altitude of 33,000 feet during a performance test, showcasing the success of ongoing testing processes.

Since its inaugural flight on Oct. 27, 2023, commemorating the Turkish Republic’s centenary, the Bayraktar TB3 has been undergoing rigorous testing. It recently completed the High Altitude System Performance Test at the Akinci Flight Training and Test Center in the Corlu district of Tekirdag. This test, utilizing the PD-170 engine developed by TUSAS Engine Industries Inc. (TEI), marked a new altitude record for the UAV.

While the Bayraktar TB3’s achievement is remarkable, it’s worth mentioning that the altitude record for Baykar’s unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), the Bayraktar Akinci TIHA, stands at an impressive 45,118 feet.

Bayraktar TB3 has accumulated 327 hours and 35 minutes of test flight hours as part of its extensive testing phase. Notably, it achieved a remarkable 32-hour continuous flight covering 5,700 kilometers (3,541.82 miles) on Dec. 20, 2023.

Additionally, on March 26 of this year, it successfully flew with the domestically developed ASELFLIR-500 system, renowned for its superior performance globally.

One distinguishing feature of the Bayraktar TB3 is its foldable wings, enabling it to be the first armed UAV capable of operating from short-runway ships like the TCG Anadolu.

Exports totaled $1.8 billion in 2023

Baykar’s achievements are not confined to technological advancements alone. The company has also demonstrated remarkable success in exports, with 83% of its revenue coming from exports since 2023. Recognized by the Presidency of Defense Industries in 2023, Baykar’s exports totaled $1.8 billion last year, comprising over 90% of its income and one-third of the sector’s total exports in 2023.

As the world’s largest UAV exporter, Baykar has fulfilled 97.5% of its contracts through exports, with agreements signed with 34 countries. These agreements include 33 countries for the Bayraktar TB2 UAV and nine countries for the Bayraktar Akinci TIHA, solidifying Baykar’s position as a global leader in defense and aviation.

Source: Newsroom

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