Turkish manufacturer Baykar has announced something historic for its Bayraktar TB3: the UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) is the first UCAV in the world to take off and land on an aircraft carrier with a short runway.
After a successful test phase on November 19, the Bayraktar TB3 (serial number PT2) took off from the drone carrier “TCG Anadolu” with its 12-degree inclined ramp. The flight, which took place over the open sea on the border of the Aegean and Mediterranean, lasted 46 minutes before the unmanned aircraft successfully landed again on the same short runway without the aid of landing aids. “This historic test flight ushered in a new era in the history of Turkish aviation and shipping,” said Baykar in an initial official statement.
The successful take-off and landing test for warships with a short runway was preceded by extensive ski-jump tests at the Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan. The first tests on the ramp were completed there on June 1, after which two Bayraktar TB3s (PT1 and PT2 were involved) were transferred to Dalaman Air Base. From there, PT 1 completed the first approach flights to the “TCG Anadolu” both by day and by night, as well as the first “approach tests”.
The facility in Keşan has a 12-degree ramp, which is identical to the ramp on the main deck of the “TCG Anadolu”.
Since the start of test flights, the UCAV Bayraktar TB3 has already completed more than 700 hours. In December 2023, it completed an endurance test in which it remained in the air for an impressive 32 hours, covering a distance of 5,700 kilometers.
Multiplier for overseas forces
With its folding wings and advanced capabilities, the Bayraktar TB3 should have a good chance of becoming one of the leading UCAVs in its class for the naval forces. Equipped with Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications, it can be deployed over long distances, which is also likely to make it a key tool in Turkey’s deterrence strategy.
In addition, on March 26, the TB3 was equipped with the Aselflir-500 electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting system developed by Aselsan. Baykar believes that this gives the system a good chance of being as successful as the TB2. According to official information, the Turkish manufacturer now has contracts for its TB2 in 34 countries, while contracts for the Akinci UCAV have already been signed with ten countries. Baykar recently announced a major order from Saudi Arabia.
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