Turkey’s state-of-the-art unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) Bayraktar Akinci has successfully passed another test. According to the Baykar Defense, the company that manufactured the drone.
According to Baykar Makina, “today, we successfully completed the Developed System Identification Test with Akinci PT-2.”
“Each successfully completed test brings Akinci one step closer to the mission. Free and independent in our sky.” The company further added.
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Selçuk Bayraktar, the company’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) said, “It may have gotten used to it, but our excitement, the adrenalin, the stress is just like on the first day.”
The second prototype of the Bayraktar Akinci UCAV completed its first test flight in August last year at the Corlu Airport Base Command.
Bayraktar Akinci:
The Bayraktar Akinci is a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). It is controlled by dual satellite communication systems.
Akinci belongs to a new class of heavy drones. It is powered by two Ukrainian AI-450 turboprop engines. Defense World reported.
According to Baykar, the Akinci is a strategic class platform that can carry various payloads. It is equipped with dual artificial intelligence avionics which supports signal processing, sensor fusion, and situational awareness in real-time.
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The drone can fly for up to 24 hours and has a service ceiling of 40,000 feet. It has a 20 meters wingspan and the capacity to carry a load of 1350 kilograms.
Akinci will be equipped with the locally-made Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and air-to-air Gokdogan and Bozdogan missiles. It will also be able to launch several types of locally made ammo, such as stand-off missiles (SOM).
Bayraktar Akinci is capable of conducting operations that are performed with fighter jets. It carries electronic support systems, dual satellite communication systems, air-to-air radar, collision avoidance radar, and synthetic aperture radar. The UCAV can be used in air-to-air and air-to-surface attack missions as well.
Bayraktar TB2 drone is another successful Tactical Armed / UAV system developed and manufactured by Baykar company. According to the company, the Bayraktar TB2 is the first-ever aircraft in its category to be exported abroad. Currently, the platforms are at the service of Turkey, Qatar, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan.
The company’s CTO said the company would soon begin mass production of the domestically made UCAV.
Analysis:
Turkey is trying to advance its drone technology, with the development of Bayraktar TB2 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) and Akinci High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UCAVs.
The development of such platforms will help the Turkish military to perform better in future integrated combat environments.