The Bayraktar TB3 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, developed by Baykar, has effectively executed its fifth test flight, marking a significant milestone as it successfully operated with retracted landing gear for the inaugural time. The fifth test flight, focusing on mid-altitude system identification and evaluating the performance of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), took place at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ.
Bayraktar TB3 UAV is powered by a PD-170 engine, developed by the TUSAŞ Engine Industries Inc. (TEI). During the fifth test flight, it remained airborne for almost six (6) hours. A model of Bayraktar TB3 made its first public appearance at the TEKNOFEST Istanbul, held at Atatürk Airport from April 27 to May 1, 2023.
Bayraktar TB3 is specially designed to operate on short runways including aircraft carriers. Featuring foldable wings, Bayraktar TB3 will operate on the Turkiye’s TCG Anadolu, known as the world’s first UAV ship. Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of the Board and Technology Leader of Baykar, announced plans to begin testing Bayraktar TB3 on the TCG Anadolu ship in 2024.
Equipped with the state of the art communication systems, it can operate over long distances making it a perfect platform to enhance Turkiye’s surveillance and strike capabilities. However, it can also function as a major actor in the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). Thus, Bayraktar TB3 will play a vital role in the naval operations of the Turkish Navy.
The Bayraktar TB2, a predecessor of the TB3, has performed very well in conflicts such as the Ukraine-Russia war and the Nagorno-Karabakh war. Bayraktar TB3 is very famous in the international defense market due to its impressive performance in combat zones. Bayraktar TB2 has been procured by several countries including Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Poland Qatar, Ukraine, and several other states.
Umair Aslam is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Defense Insight. He has worked as a defense journalist reporting on military modernization programs, defense industry, arms procurement, and emerging technologies.
