Türkiye’s first domestically produced aviation engine TEI-PD170 powers UCAVs
TAI Aksungur, unmanned combat aerial vehicle built by Turkish Aerospace Industries for the Turkish Armed Force. (AA Photo)
Türkiye has unveiled its first domestically produced aviation engine, the TEI-PD170, as a major step towards reducing foreign reliance on defense technology.
The engine, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) subsidiary TAI Engine Industries (TEI), is now powering locally manufactured unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), including Baykar’s TB3 and TAI’s Anka and Aksungur platforms.
This achievement stems from the 2012 UAV Engine Development program initiated by Türkiye’s Defense Industry Agency. Designed to create the nation’s first turbodiesel aviation engine for medium-altitude, long-endurance UAVs, the project culminated in the TEI-PD170’s first ignition in January 2017.
Following extensive testing, the initial engine was delivered to TAI in November of the same year.
The TEI-PD170 recorded its first flight in December 2018 aboard the TAI Anka platform, successfully operating in extreme weather conditions at temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). The engine later proved its high-altitude capability in October 2021, reaching 36,310 feet (11,067 meters) during a 45-hour flight on the TAI Aksungur.
Baykar’s TB3 platform also adopted the TEI-PD170 in 2023, solidifying the engine’s versatility. The TB3 made history as the first UCAV to take off and land from a short-runway ship. To date, it has logged 823 flight hours, contributing to a cumulative runtime of 2,000 hours for the engine across domestic UAV platforms.
Key to the engine’s performance is its two-stage turbocharging system, which ensures superior high-altitude capabilities and a high power-to-weight ratio. It can produce 170 horsepower, operate at altitudes of up to 20,000 feet, and maintain functionality at a ceiling of 45,000 feet. Enhanced with backup control systems and software compliant with civil aviation standards, the TEI-PD170 is a standout in its class.
In early 2024, Türkiye achieved its first export of the TEI-PD170, marking its entry into the international market. Negotiations with additional countries are underway, showcasing the engine’s potential to enhance Türkiye’s presence in the global defense industry.
With the TEI-PD170 powering three distinct platforms, Türkiye is positioning itself as a key player in the aviation sector, fostering innovation and independence in defense technology.
