Turkish Bayraktar TB3 Drone's Successful Ski-Jump Test Sparks Interest in India's Archer UAV

Turkey's successful ski-jump test of the Bayraktar TB3 UAV highlights potential upgrades for India's Archer UAV to enhance its carrier-based operations.

The recent successful ski-jump test of Turkey's Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has sparked discussions about the potential for similar operations with India's Archer UAV. Both drones belong to the Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) class, which is used for reconnaissance and surveillance in military operations.

Bayraktar TB3: Pioneering Carrier-Based Drone Operations

Turkey's achievement with the Bayraktar TB3 demonstrates the feasibility of launching medium-sized drones from aircraft carriers equipped with a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system. This method uses a ski-jump ramp for takeoff, suitable for carriers without powerful catapults

needed for conventional launches. During its recent test, the Bayraktar TB3 successfully completed four takeoffs from a 12-degree inclined ramp, simulating the deck of Turkey's first aircraft carrier, the TCG Anadolu.

The Bayraktar TB3, developed by Baykar, features foldable wings and is designed for short-runway operations. It builds on the success of its predecessor, the Bayraktar TB2, which has been effectively used in conflicts in Azerbaijan, Libya, and Ukraine. The TB3 offers enhanced capabilities, including increased flight duration, higher operational altitudes, and a greater weapons payload.

In addition to the TB3, Baykar is also developing the Kızılelma, an unmanned fighter jet, which is expected to operate from the TCG Anadolu. The Kızılelma will provide higher speed and carrying capacity, marking a significant advancement in Turkey's unmanned aerial capabilities. Baykar has secured export deals with 34 countries for its various drone models, underscoring its role as a leading Turkish defense exporter.

India's Archer UAV: Potential for Naval Integration

India's Archer UAV, developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), shares several similarities with the Bayraktar TB3 in terms of size and functionality. However, the current variant of the Archer, which is powered by a 16-horsepower piston engine, would not be sufficient for carrier takeoffs. To enable carrier-based operations, an upgrade to a more powerful turbodiesel engine is necessary.

The Archer UAV can currently achieve an operational altitude of 20,000 feet, with a design ceiling of 22,000 feet. For optimal performance on Indian Navy carriers, the Archer may need to reach altitudes exceeding 25,000 feet. This would require further modifications to the engine and possibly the airframe.

Path Forward for India's Archer UAV

Turkey's advancements with the Bayraktar TB3 highlight potential avenues for India to enhance its Archer UAV for naval operations. Upgrading the Archer's engine and refining its airframe design are crucial steps toward enabling carrier-based deployments. Successfully integrating the Archer into Indian Navy operations could significantly enhance its aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

In conclusion, the successful ski-jump test of Turkey's Bayraktar TB3 has opened up new possibilities for India's Archer UAV. By learning from Turkey's experience and making necessary upgrades, India can potentially deploy the Archer on its aircraft carriers, boosting its military capabilities in the process.