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Turkish 'Loyal Wingman' Emerges For Taxi Tests


The Baykar company is making waves in the world of military technology with its latest creation - the Bayraktar Kizilelma drone. This groundbreaking unmanned aircraft is a significant step forward for Turkey and military innovation. In this article, we'll explore the features and capabilities of the Bayraktar Kizilelma and what sets it apart in the world of combat drones.

 

The Unveiling of the Kizilelma

The first of its kind in Turkey, the Bayraktar Kizilelma is a non-manned combat aircraft, representing a remarkable leap in military technology. Recently, images of the Kizilelma were unveiled during testing at the Akinci Flight Training and Test Center in Tekirdag province. These images provide us with a closer look at this extraordinary unmanned aerial vehicle designed to perform various combat roles.

 

A Supersonic Wonder

The Kizilelma is different from your average combat drone. It is claimed to be supersonic, at least in later variants. This supersonic capability is crucial for air combat missions traditionally carried out by piloted fighter jets. The drone is powered by a single Ukrainian Ivchenko-Progress turbofan engine, making it a force to be reckoned with.

 

Canard Delta Configuration

The Kizilelma features a canard delta configuration, a design element seen in other cutting-edge combat aircraft, including China's J-20 unmanned fighter and the enigmatic Dark Sword drone. The canard design strikes a balance between low observability and maneuverability, and certain measures can be taken to minimize its impact on radar signatures. The tail surfaces consist of vertical stabilizers that can be angled, adding to the drone's versatility.

 

Technical Specifications

According to technical requirements, the Kizilelma boasts impressive stats:

 

  • Endurance: 5 to 6 hours

 

  • Range: 500 nautical miles

 

  • Service Ceiling: 35,000 feet

 

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 13,228 pounds (including a payload of 3,306 pounds)

 

The Kizilelma's payload can include disposable stores within an internal weapon bay, preserving its stealthy characteristics. This drone can be armed with various precision air-to-ground weapons and air-to-air missiles developed by the Turkish industry.

 

Engine Advancements

The initial prototype of the Kizilelma and early versions are expected to feature an Ivchenko Progress AI-25TLT turbofan. However, future versions are likely to be equipped with an afterburning version of the Ivchenko-Progress AI-322F turbofan, providing enhanced performance. Even without the afterburning engine, the Kizilelma achieves impressive speeds, approaching Mach 1. There is also a possibility of a twin-engined version with two AI-322Fs to boost performance further. While the exhaust of the engine may not be stealthy in its original design, measures are in place to reduce radar cross-section at specific angles, prioritizing high performance over low visibility.

 

Combat Capabilities

Unlike its predecessors, the TB2 and Akinci, the Kizilelma is designed for air-to-air combat, as well as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike operations. While detailed information on its avionics and mission architecture is limited, the drone is expected to be equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, enhancing its capabilities for various missions.

 

Conclusion

The Bayraktar Kizilelma is a remarkable addition to Turkey's military technology arsenal. Its supersonic speed, versatile design, and combat capabilities make it a force to be reckoned with in the world of unmanned combat aircraft.

 

 

FAQs

What is the significance of the Bayraktar Kizilelma in military technology?

The Kizilelma represents a significant advancement in Turkey's military capabilities, being the country's first combat-capable non-manned aircraft.

 

What makes the Kizilelma supersonic, and why is this important?

The Kizilelma is equipped with a supersonic engine, which is crucial for air combat missions typically performed by piloted fighter jets.

 

How does the canard delta configuration benefit the Kizilelma?

The canard design balances low observability and maneuverability, enhancing the drone's combat capabilities.

 

What kind of missions is the Kizilelma designed for?

The Kizilelma is designed for air-to-air combat, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike operations.

 

What are the future engine advancements expected for the Kizilelma?

Future versions of the Kizilelma are likely to be equipped with an afterburning engine, providing even higher levels of performance.

 

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