ISTANBUL — In a significant advancement for Turkey’s military capabilities, the Baykar TB-3 combat drone successfully landed and took off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship Anadolu for the first time this week. This pivotal event, which took place on Nov. 19, was highlighted by Turkish drone manufacturer Bayraktar, who shared videos of the flight on social media. The testing was conducted off the coast of Aksaz Naval Base in the Mediterranean Sea.
The TB-3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has been specifically designed for operations aboard the Anadolu. With a length of 8.35 meters and 14-meter folding wings, the drone weighs approximately 1,600 kilograms and boasts a payload capacity of 280 kilograms. It achieves a cruise speed of 125 knots and features six hardpoints for ammunition attachment, making it a formidable asset for modern warfare.
During the successful testing, the second prototype of the TB-3 took off from the runway of the TCG Anadolu, which incorporates a 12-degree inclined ramp. The flight lasted for 46 minutes, culminating in a smooth landing back on the ship without requiring any landing support equipment. This achievement underscores the drone’s capabilities and the rigorous testing that preceded this moment, which included over 700 hours of flight tests conducted on land.
The TB-3 is powered by the PD-170 engine developed by Tusas Engine Industries, contributing to its operational efficiency and reliability. This groundbreaking event is seen as a decisive step forward, enhancing Turkey’s position in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles and naval operations.
