Defense News

Turkey

The Bayraktar TB3 marine Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) has achieved a significant milestone in its development, with the successful completion of a 27-hour flight during its latest test. Equipped with the advanced ASELFLIR-500 electro-optical system, the UCAV flew a distance of 4600km, demonstrating its cutting-edge technology and engineering.

Following the impressive performance of its first prototype, which set a record flight time of 32 hours and covered a distance of 5700km, the Bayraktar TB3 continues to push boundaries in endurance and range capabilities. Designed to operate from short-runway ships like the TCG Anadolu (L400), the UCAV is undergoing tests on a mock runway resembling the ship's deck.

Featuring reinforced landing gear, folding wings, and a more powerful engine, the Bayraktar TB3 represents a significant advancement in maritime and aerial warfare technology. Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of Baykar, has announced plans for testing aboard the TCG Anadolu (L400) in 2024, signaling a pivotal moment in the integration of unmanned systems in naval operations.

With a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 1450 kg and a payload capacity of 280 kg, the Bayraktar TB3 offers improved operational capabilities compared to its predecessor, the TB2. Expected to have a range of 1,000 nautical miles, the TB3 will be equipped with various munitions for engaging surface targets at sea and on land, enhancing the tactical flexibility and strike capabilities of naval forces.

The development and upcoming tests of the Bayraktar TB3 highlight the rapid progress in unmanned aerial vehicle technology and its growing importance in modern warfare. As the TB3 prepares for groundbreaking tests aboard the TCG ANADOLU, it sets a new standard in naval and aerial combat operations, solidifying Bayraktar's position as a leader in UCAV innovation.