Turkey advances military tech with new Bayraktar TB3 UCAV

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Global Industry News

Turkey advances military tech with new Bayraktar TB3 UCAV

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Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Nov 25, 2024

The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV, developed by Turkey's Baykar, is set to enter service in 2025, marking a significant advancement in military drone technology. This unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) features a medium-altitude long-endurance capability and is designed for carrier-based operations. It can take off and land on short-deck aircraft carriers like the TCG Anadolu.

According to Baykar, the TB3 boasts an operational range of 1,000 nautical miles and can reach speeds up to 160 knots. It operates at altitudes up to 25,000 feet and has six hardpoints for carrying various munitions, including laser-guided smart munitions.

The TB3 was first unveiled in 2020 and has been under development by Baykar with notable milestones achieved along its journey. On March 27, 2023, the first prototype was made public. Subsequent achievements include its maiden flight on October 27, 2023, just before the Republic of Turkey's centennial celebration.

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Key features of the TB3 include foldable wings for carrier operations and advanced communication capabilities allowing both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight control. Its fully autonomous takeoff and landing systems enhance its operational versatility.

Baykar highlights the TB3’s dimensions as having a length of 8.35 meters and a wingspan of 14 meters when unfolded. The drone can carry payloads up to 280 kilograms and maintain endurance over 24 hours.

A historic milestone was reached on November 19, 2024, when the TB3 became the first armed drone to successfully take off from and land on a short-deck aircraft carrier. The operation took place using prototypes PT1 and PT2 at locations including Keşan in Edirne and Dalaman Air Base.

This achievement demonstrates Turkey's leadership in drone technology as well as Baykar’s focus on developing indigenous aerospace solutions. The Bayraktar TB3 represents a significant step forward in integrating UAVs into naval operations.