The Bayraktar TB3, the world’s first unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for operation from short-runway naval ships, successfully completed four fully autonomous flights from the aircraft carrier TCG Anadolu during testing in the Gulf of Saros.
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The tests, conducted on April 22, mark a major advancement in naval drone capabilities. According to Baykar, the manufacturer of the TB3, all takeoffs and landings were carried out autonomously using onboard artificial intelligence algorithms, without any external assistance. The final flight of the day took place at sunset.
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The TB3’s flight control system, powered by locally developed AI, performed all maneuvers without the aid of additional landing systems, demonstrating full autonomy and precision.
Since its first shipborne flight on November 19, 2024, the TB3 has accumulated over 1,016 flight hours. In December 2023, it demonstrated endurance by remaining operational for 32 hours straight, covering a distance of 5,700 kilometers without landing.
In March of this year, the Bayraktar TB3 validated its attack capabilities during live-fire tests. On March 25 and 27, the UCAV used supersonic UAV-122 missiles developed by Roketsan to strike camouflaged naval targets. In one instance, target designation was provided by a Bayraktar TB2 using laser guidance for a coordinated attack.
The drone also passed a high-altitude performance test in June 2024, reaching 36,310 feet with the indigenous PD-170 engine developed by TEI. Although it didn’t surpass the national altitude record of 45,118 feet held by the Bayraktar AKINCI, the test confirmed its suitability for maritime missions.
In another technological milestone, the TB3 conducted a test flight in March 2024 with the ASELFLIR-500 surveillance and targeting system developed by ASELSAN. The successful integration enhanced the platform’s accuracy in reconnaissance operations.
Equipped with foldable wings and beyond-line-of-sight communication systems, the Bayraktar TB3 is ready for long-range maritime missions. Once officially integrated, the drone will carry out strategic reconnaissance and attack roles over distant territories, serving as a force multiplier for overseas operations.
Source and images: Telegram @BaykarTech. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
