Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar said its Bayraktar TB3 armed drone has successfully completed its maiden flight.
Baykar said TB3’s first flight was a tribute to the country on 100th anniversary of Turkish Republic.
“On the Republic of Türkiye’s centennial, the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial vehicle successfully completed its maiden flight,” Selcuk Bayraktar, the firm’s chief technology officer, said on Twitter.
The Bayraktar TB3, which is a short-runway-capable unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), commenced its inaugural flight from a dedicated airstrip located in northwestern Türkiye.
The drone can fold its wings, making it capable of both ship-based takeoffs and landings. This versatility opens up new possibilities for naval operations, the company said.
“It is the first of its kind, boasting the ability to fold its wings and capable of landing and taking off from a ship,” Baykar said.
Naval variant of of TB2
The Bayraktar TB3 boasts enhanced performance capabilities compared to its predecessor, the TB2, as it can remain airborne for more extended periods and reach higher altitudes.
The Bayraktar TB3 further distinguishes itself from the TB2 with its expanded capabilities and larger dimensions. With a wingspan of 14 meters and a length of 8.35 meters, the TB3 offers extended operational capabilities.
TB3 Features
Bayraktar TB3 has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,450kg, along with a payload capacity of 280kg, surpassing the TB2’s 750kg and 130kg.
A significant upgrade is the replacement of the 100-horsepower Rotax 912 engine with the more potent 172-horsepower PD170 from Turkey’s TEI, further enhancing its overall performance and capabilities.
The TB2 had also garnered global recognition with its deployment in various conflicts, from Azerbaijan to Libya, and most recently in Ukraine, as reported by GlobalData’s “Turkey Defense Market 2023-2028” report. Lithuania received Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 combat drone in July 2022 and subsequently delivered it to Ukraine, strengthening the country’s defense efforts.
One of the most striking features of the TB3 is its purpose-built design for deployment on the recently commissioned aircraft carrier, the TCG Anadolu, often referred to as the world’s first drone carrier.
With its augmented capabilities and dimensions, the TB3 is set to revolutionize naval operations and significantly bolster Turkey’s presence in the field of unmanned aerial systems.
The successful takeoff and landing tests for the naval variant of the renowned Bayraktar TB2 drone indicate a promising future for the Bayraktar TB3. This combat drone is specifically engineered for deployment on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, thus contributing to the advancement of naval aviation.
The Bayraktar TB3 is not just a drone, it’s a game-changer. Alongside the Kızılelma jet-powered drone, it plays crucial roles in reconnaissance, enemy engagement, and air defense.
The integration of these drones into the Turkish Navy signifies a significant leap in naval aviation capabilities, equipping the vessels with uncrewed reconnaissance and offensive and defensive capabilities.