Bayraktar TB3 successfully takes off from ski-jump, a decisive step towards development of Turkish naval air drone

The Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial system successfully performed its first ski-jump take-off tests, a fundamental milestone in its development as a naval aviation drone.

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The news was communicated by the company Baykar (manufacturer of the model) in its social networks. During the tests, the TB3 performed four successful short takeoffs from the ski-jump ramp.

Türk Havacılığının Altın Çağı ????#BayraktarTB3 ✈️⚓️????

✅ 46. Uçuş | Rampa Kalkış Testi

✅ 46th Flight | Ski-Jump Test #MilliTeknolojiHamlesi ???????????? pic.twitter.com/JOYy3ske0v

— BAYKAR (@BaykarTech) June 1, 2024

For these tests, Baykar built a runway that mimics the deck of the light aircraft carrier/amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, capital ship of the Turkish Navy, including the 12-degree inclined bow ramp. The construction of shore runways emulating that of an aircraft carrier is a common practice that serves to prepare naval pilots to operate safely from the restrictive flight deck dimensions of runway ships, as well as for various type approval tests.

Bayraktar TB3

It is the evolution of its successful Bayraktar TB2, a combat-proven and highly successful export for the Turkish defense industry.

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As reported by Baykar, the Bayraktar TB3 is an armed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system capable of taking off and landing on short runways. It possesses the capability to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence operations, in addition to carrying out strike missions with the Turkish-made smart munition, which it carries under its wings.

Designed for use on amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers, thanks to its folding wing structure, this UAV offers the user the ability to perform armed UAV operations on beyond-the-horizon missions, both over the sea and over land.

The Bayraktar TB3 has line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight communication capability, allowing it to be controlled from very long distances, thanks to its satellite data link.

See also: Baykar unveils new loitering ammunition for drones with more than 50 km range

Both the Bayraktar TB3 and the KIZILELMA unmanned combat aircraft, being able to make use of the ski-jump, will form the heart of the carrier air wing on the TCG Anadolu (since Turkey will not have access to the Lockheed Martin F-35B), which will represent a foundational milestone of a new era in naval air warfare.