Turkish Bayraktar TB3 drone makes historic first takeoff and landing on TCG Anadolu
Türkiye’s Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully taking off and landing on the Turkish short-runway carrier TCG Anadolu, marking the first such feat in aviation history. The Turkish Defense Ministry confirmed the successful tests on Tuesday, November 19.
Turkish defense giant Baykar, the manufacturer of the Bayraktar TB3, celebrated the achievement, calling it historic. “Bayraktar TB3 has made history as the first unmanned aerial vehicle to successfully take off and land on the short-runway carrier TCG Anadolu,” the company said in a post on social media platform X.
Additionally, Selcuk Bayraktar, Baykar’s chairman and CTO, also shared the accomplishment on social media, describing the moment as “First takeoff and landing on TCG Anadolu… Bayraktar TB3.”
This successful takeoff and landing on a short-runway vessel position the Bayraktar TB3 as a pioneer in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector. The UCAV has demonstrated the ability to operate on vessels with limited runway space, paving the way for its future deployment on ships.
Key achievements and testing of Bayraktar TB3
The Bayraktar TB3, developed domestically by Baykar, has undergone a series of rigorous tests. The vehicle successfully completed ramp tests at Baykar’s Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, Edirne, before transitioning to the TCG Anadolu for its final sea-based testing.
On November 19, Bayraktar TB3 prototype PT2 conducted an open-sea test, taking off from the inclined ramp of TCG Anadolu and performing a 46-minute test flight over the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
After completing the flight, the TB3 landed without any landing support equipment, marking a new era in aviation and maritime history.
The UCAV’s successful ramp tests, which included day and night approach trials, and its record-setting flight performance on a short runway vessel further showcase its advanced capabilities.
Domestic development and record-breaking performance
The Bayraktar TB3 is powered by Türkiye’s domestically developed PD-170 engine from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). In June, it reached an altitude of 36,310 feet during its High-Altitude System Performance Test.
Although its altitude record falls short of the Bayraktar Akinci, which reached 45,118 feet, the TB3’s performance solidifies its place as a key player in Türkiye’s UAV capabilities.
Baykar has also reported that the Bayraktar TB3 has completed over 700 hours of flight time during its testing phase. The UCAV’s impressive performance includes a 32-hour, 5,700-kilometer flight in December 2023, showcasing its long-endurance capabilities.
Global export success
Baykar has consistently relied on its own resources for development and research, and it has become a significant player in global UAV exports. In 2023, Baykar achieved $1.8 billion in exports, ranking among Türkiye’s top exporters.
The company is recognized as the defense and aviation sector’s export leader and has agreements with 35 countries for the Bayraktar TB2 UCAV and with 10 countries for the Bayraktar Akinci UCAV.
With the Bayraktar TB3, Baykar continues to set new standards for UAV technology and international exports, enhancing Türkiye’s position as a leader in unmanned aerial vehicle production and defense technology.
