Turkish Bayraktar TB3 drone breaks flight endurance record; It achieves an impressive feat of 32 hours and 5,700 km » Today Latest Stories
Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has announced that its cutting-edge Bayraktar TB3 drone performed an impressive 32-hour flight during recent tests, thus setting a new flight endurance record within the Bayraktar UAV, or Bayraktar UCAV, family.
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On December 21, the company posted a video on
The drone is specifically designed to perform the critical role as the primary unmanned platform for the Turkish Navy’s innovative ‘drone carrier’, TCG Anadolu.
Moreover, the company revealed that during the flight test, the TB3 covered a distance of 5,700 kilometers. Based on the footage posted by the company, it appears that the flight began on December 19 at 9:15 a.m. and ended on December 20 at 5:15 p.m.
The timeline highlights the TB3 drone’s sustained operational performance over a sustained period, enhancing its commendable endurance capabilities.
#BayraktarTB3 ✈️ ✌️🚀
✅13. Aviation | Aviation endurance test
☁️ Flight for 32 hours
✈️ Trip distance: 5,700 km✅ The 13th Journey | Aviation endurance test
☁️ Flight duration: 32 hours
✈️ Trip distance: 5,700 km#MilliTechnologyHamlesi 🌍🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/Asgim9UxJS— Baykar (@BaykarTech) December 20, 2023
This also demonstrated an endurance level beyond the typical range observed in most Medium Long Endurance (MALE) class unmanned combat air vehicles, which typically extends from 24 to 27 hours.
like mentioned According to Turkish media, the test was conducted at the Çorlu Aviation Training and Testing Center, located in northwestern Turkey. However, the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), equipped with TEI’s indigenously developed PD-170 engine, set a new record within the Baykar Defense UAV family.
Previously, the expected flight endurance of the TB-3 was set at 24 hours, while its predecessor, the TB2 drone, was 24 hours. male For 27 hours and 3 minutes.
Thus, the TB-3’s recent achievement of achieving a 32-hour flight during testing demonstrates a notable extension beyond its initially advertised endurance and showcases advancements in the drone’s capabilities.
Bayraktar TB3 Drone
In a major leap forward for the Turkish Navy’s capabilities, the TB3 drone, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), is designed to operate from the Turkish Navy’s amphibious assault ship, TCG Anadolu.
The drone, which represents a significant advancement over its predecessor, the TB2, provides enhanced flight endurance, strike capabilities, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) functions.
The TB3 made its first flight on October 27. Powered by a 172-hp PD170 engine, the TB3 drone features a versatile armament configuration.
With a wingspan of 14 meters and a length of 8.35 metres, the TB3 supports a maximum take-off weight of 1,450 kg and a payload capacity of 280 kg. This indicates a significant increase compared to the specifications of its predecessor, TB2.
With six suspension points under its foldable wings, the drone is capable of carrying a variety of munitions. This includes precision weapons such as laser-guided missiles, small anti-infantry bombs, and massive anti-tank missiles.
Selcuk Bayraktar is photographed next to TB3 at the Çorlu Flight Training and Test Center, October 27. PaykarIn addition to its incredible capabilities, the TB3 is designed to excel in intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It is equipped with advanced beyond-line-of-sight communications capabilities.
This feature allows the drone to maintain seamless connectivity and communication over wide distances, and is especially useful when operating across large expanses of ocean. Its modular design also makes it an ideal platform for relaying communications.
Short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities allow the TB3 to be deployed on aircraft carriers and large deck amphibious assault ships. This capability extends its operational scope to include small, remote airstrips on shore, providing flexibility to Turkish forces during ground operations.
Picard Expect Full mass production of TB3 will begin in 2024, and it is expected to be deployed aboard TCG Anadolu in the same year. Meanwhile, the TCG Anadolu, which was delivered to the Turkish Navy in May 2023, will play a pivotal role in this vision.
Designed as a landing pad for helicopters (LHD), the ship features a large flight deck with ski jump and aft deck, enabling the transport of various military assets, including tanks, amphibious assault vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and landing craft for amphibious assault operations.
In addition to its focus on TB3, Baykar is actively involved in the development of a fighter-like drone known as the Kizilelma. Having made its inaugural flight in December 2022, Kizilelma is on track to begin production next year.
