Türkiye’s Bayraktar TB3 successfully performs close formation flight with an Akinci UAV

Baykar’s flagship Turkish UAV, Bayraktar TB3, completed its transfer flight to Kesan by conducting a joint flight with Akinci.

In a post on Baykar’s official account, it was announced that the Bayraktar TB3 flew jointly with an Akinci UAV and completed its transfer flight from corlu Flight Training and Test Center to Kesan, Edirne. The statement emphasized Türkiye’s national technology initiative and the golden age of Turkish aviation.

Selcuk Bayraktar, Chairman of the Board and Technology Leader at Baykar, said in a post on his X account: “We bid farewell to the Bayraktar TB3, which completed System Identification and Performance Tests, on Akinci’s wing from our corlu Flight Training and Test Center to Kesan.”

The Bayraktar TB3 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)

Developed by Türkiye’s Baykar Savunma, the Bayraktar TB3 stands as a groundbreaking achievement in the realm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The UCAV, characterized by its foldable wings and short takeoff and landing capabilities, addresses the need for advanced aircraft, notably for deployment on the TCG Anadolu Amphibious Assault Ship.

Selcuk Bayraktar first unveiled the Bayraktar TB3 to the world on October 29, 2020. His announcement included details about testing a domestically engineered engine, believed to be the PD-170 or a derivative, with plans for integration into both the Akinci Tactical UAV and the Bayraktar TB3. Bayraktar proudly proclaimed this engine as surpassing all others in its class globally, a testament to Türkiye’s technological prowess.

Subsequent revelations by Selcuk Bayraktar shed light on the TB3’s unique capabilities. The TB3 boasts a strategic advantage as it can land and take off from aircraft carriers, unlike its counterparts. Its wings are foldable, allowing for compact storage and deployment, while its ability to carry heavier munitions, approximately 1200 kilograms, positions it as a formidable force on the battlefield.

A pivotal moment in the TB3’s development journey occurred on July 21, 2021, with Baykar Savunma unveiling computer-generated images of the TB3 stationed aboard the TCG Anadolu. This glimpse into its operational setup, alongside the Bayraktar Kizilelma equipped with a jet engine, underscored Türkiye’s commitment to cutting-edge defense solutions.

The TB3’s development timeline underscores its steady progress towards operational readiness. From completing its first successful test run on October 13, 2023, to achieving milestones like the tire-cutting test on October 20, 2023, and its inaugural flight on October 27, 2023, just ahead of Türkiye’s centenary celebrations, each step has solidified its place as a technological marvel.

Technical specifications paint a picture of sophistication: a crewless design, a compact yet robust frame measuring 8.35 meters in length and 2.6 meters in height, and a wingspan of 14 meters. The TB3 boasts impressive performance metrics, with a total takeoff weight of 1450 kilograms and a payload capacity of 280 kilograms. It is powered by the TEI PD170 engine. It can reach a maximum speed of 150 knots, cruise at 125 knots, endure missions for over 32 hours, and operate at altitudes up to 30,000 feet.

The TB3 is ready to change the way air combat is done. It has a wide range of weapons, such as Sungur air-to-air missiles, Mini Smart air-to-ground munitions, MAM-T, MAM-L, MAM-C, TUBITAK-SAGE BOZOK, Baykar KEMANKES, and bombs like TOLUN.

In conclusion, the Bayraktar TB3 represents the pinnacle of innovation in Türkiye’s defense industry, embodying advanced technology, strategic versatility, and formidable firepower. Its development heralds a new era in unmanned aerial systems, elevating Türkiye’s status as a leader in UAV technology on the global stage.