Advancements and Deployment of Turkish UAVs: A Strategic Overview

[Combat-Master]

Is there an internal weapon bay on Kizilelma? I haven't seen any external hardpoints

Yes, Internal weapons bay.


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CEO Haluk Bayraktar: "KIZILELMA's flight time is about 5 to 6 hours with full load, about 2 tons... the prototype that appears here is the flying prototype, there are two more prototypes like this [being made]."

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npWbHAm8tYA

 

[Combat-Master]

On subject of Ukrainian Turbofan engines for Kizilelma

https://twitter.com/x/status/1564634367921733636

View: https://twitter.com/kamerknc/status/1564634367921733636?s=20&t=QriWzihCbjxAEIApDwr1qA

 

[Forest Green]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1anrfFwfQ4

 

[Combat-Master]

Ukrainian TB2 Strikes some Russian Targets;

https://twitter.com/x/status/1565374991759204353

View: https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1565374991759204353

https://twitter.com/x/status/1565383263954378752

View: https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1565383263954378752

 

[Combat-Master]

Romania seeks to buy TB2

https://twitter.com/x/status/1565335065575321600

View: https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1565335065575321600?s=20&t=i09n1TdmdcTU5AAqGO-frA

 

[Combat-Master]

TB2


AKINCI


AKSUNGUR


KIZILELMA

 

[Forest Green]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1565985908637450240

View: https://twitter.com/Ijaharkhan44/status/1565985908637450240?s=20&t=8QB9FhuhN59HEsoloDAzVw

 

[Combat-Master]

Twin engined variant of Kizilelma is also in the works'

 

[Combat-Master]

Bayraktar TB2 UCAV of the Ethiopian Armed Forces hit a warehouse belonging to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in Mekele, the capital of Tigray Province, on 30 August 2022.

As seen Turkey's ASELSAN produced CATS E/O camera and MAM-L ammunition were used from the platform.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1566328557193904128

View: https://twitter.com/TyrannosurusRex/status/1566328557193904128?s=20&t=XK6znLXWQuYUnAqxvfXNuQ

ASELSAN CATS E/O

 

[Forest Green]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1566418572485791744

View: https://twitter.com/cover_up8d/status/1566418572485791744?s=20&t=qifoN13oN_0k4sH9EfbyMw

 

[Combat-Master]

Tail number 2824 Bayraktar TB2 UCAV, produced for Poland, is on display at #MSPO2022 with the roundel of the Polish Air Force.

Poland will receive a total of 24 Bayraktar TB2s, 6 in October 2022, 6 in April 2023, 6 in October 2023, and 6 in April 2024.

 

[Combat-Master]

Is there an internal weapon bay on Kizilelma? I haven't seen any external hardpoints

Yes, Internal weapons bay.

View attachment 683339
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CEO Haluk Bayraktar: "KIZILELMA's flight time is about 5 to 6 hours with full load, about 2 tons... the prototype that appears here is the flying prototype, there are two more prototypes like this [being made]."

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npWbHAm8tYA

Also external stores from official brochure of Kizilelma

 

[Combat-Master]

Bayraktar donated TB2 arrived in Ukraine, official promising footage of them at work. -

https://twitter.com/x/status/1567195912660738048

View: https://twitter.com/serhiyprytula/status/1567195912660738048?s=20&t=SlKlTF3sSfp71E5T2uVZKw

 

[Combat-Master]

Turkey's Loitering munition 'LENTATEK Kargı' with E/O sensor


And here RF homing seeker that's developed by Aselsan, which also has a SIGINT mode which relays information back to command centre.

 

[Combat-Master]

Video processing chip developed by Yongatek, will be used in UAV applications moving forward.

 

[alberchico]

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bayraktar-tb2-uae-turkey-talks-buy-large-number-drones

A massive order for up to 120 UAV's is being negotiated. I imagine its stellar performance over Ukraine has certainly improved its reputation among potential export customers.

 

[Combat-Master]

Mini Electronic Attack Pod from Aselsan for UAVs

 

[Combat-Master]

Recent flare up between Azerbaijan and Armenia, see's Azeri TB2 inflicting considerable damage

https://twitter.com/x/status/1569966558541234176

View: https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1569966558541234176?s=20&t=LJKVKdUQc5enysg4Dpn-pg


Also to note; Azerbaijan has purchased a number of AKINCI UCAVs, might become first instance where it may be used

 

[Combat-Master]

TB-2 UCAV targeting S-300PS Air Defence Complex in Armenia

 

[alberchico]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1570060752194793474

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/TurkishFacts4U/status/1570060752194793474

https://twitter.com/x/status/1570003486431117314

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/TurkishFacts4U/status/1570003486431117314


I don't know how reliable this source is but big news if true. Looks like this UCAV will see combat almost as soon as it enters service.

 

[Combat-Master]

Another compilation of Azerbaijan's TB2 targeting Armenian targets, you can see a mix of E/O - HENSOLDT ARGOS II and Aselsan CATS (Green interface)

https://twitter.com/x/status/1570348567847370752

View: https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1570348567847370752?s=20&t=EpzBk8h17DW2lYdm7BiQGQ

HENSOLDT ARGOS II

 

[Combat-Master]

Interesting footage of combined warfare ground and unmanned assets - TB2 providing close air fire support for Azerbaijan's advance in capturing Armenian stronghold
Blue circle indicates Azerbaijan and Red Circles indicates Armenian

https://twitter.com/x/status/1570723503623786497

View: https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1570723503623786497?s=20&t=mzvM0HbLCLcJtgGa7_O_Qw

 

[Combat-Master]

Polish UAV operators graduate TB2 training

https://twitter.com/x/status/1570779633087582216

View: https://twitter.com/BaykarTech/status/1570779633087582216?s=20&t=2RHXgzZ4M5zPmGrZxiGMtQ

 

[Combat-Master]

Kyrgyz TB-2 knocking out Tajik armored vehicles

https://twitter.com/x/status/1570751095940747265

View: https://twitter.com/RichOutzen/status/1570751095940747265?s=20&t=bcoR2dYGhUSW27tI2b88WQ

 

[Combat-Master]

Bayraktar KIZILELMA completed its first engine integration test today.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1571182754561228800

View: https://twitter.com/Selcuk/status/1571182754561228800?s=20&t=MyotYxet7iyGag1Tzz-oNA

 

[Combat-Master]

NOTE - Kizilelma EOTS location - Aselsan was partner with Lockheed martin in producing parts for F-35 EOTS, so influence is clear.

 

[Canardzz]

Engine integrated

 

[Combat-Master]

Not UAV development per say, but it's an important factor - Turkey's Aselsan developed 1280x1024 10micro pixel pitch MCT MWIR. The detector will be used in next generation of E/O turrets developed for UAV's

Test video of the FPA

 

[Combat-Master]

Not UAV development per say, but it's an important factor - Turkey's Aselsan developed 1280x1024 10nano pixel pitch MCT MWIR. The detector will be used in next generation of E/O turrets developed for UAV's

Test video of the FPA
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View attachment 684328

ASELSAN MEROPS E/O developed for MALE type UAVs

 

[Combat-Master]

Not UAV development per say, but it's an important factor - Turkey's Aselsan developed 1280x1024 10nano pixel pitch MCT MWIR. The detector will be used in next generation of E/O turrets developed for UAV's

Test video of the FPA
View attachment 684324
View attachment 684325
View attachment 684326
View attachment 684327
View attachment 684328

ASELSAN MEROPS E/O developed for MALE type UAVs
View attachment 684451

Sensor Specs of ASELSAN MEROPS ;

Thermal Imager
MWIR @ 1280x1024 pixels
HD Daylight Camera
Full Colour @ 4098x4098 pixels
HD Near Infrared Camera
4098x4098 pixels
Low Light Camera
1280x1024 pixels
SWIR Camera
1280x1024 pixels

Mass 50kg
Dimensions 430mm(d)x510mm(h)


We could effectively say that, Turkey is no longer behind some of the best E/O producers with many of the critical components produced in Turkey.

 

[Combat-Master]

Nigerian TB2

Nigerian operators training on TB2 Ground Control Station Simulator

https://twitter.com/x/status/1573399329716699136

View: https://twitter.com/OvieNews/status/1573399329716699136?s=20&t=8f5rtOgR_ktAuEhzZrtx8A

 

[Flyaway]

Plans are still underway to build that Turkish drone factory in Ukraine. On Sept. 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received Haluk Bayraktar, the CEO of Baykar Defense, manufacturer of the eponymous Bayraktar drones, in Kyiv. “We discussed the details of the construction of the Baykar factory in Ukraine and the production of new products using Ukrainian components,” Zelenskyy said after their meeting.


Furthermore, according to Turkey’s state-run press, the Ukraine plant will assemble the new Bayraktar Ainici drone (which is far larger, more heavily armed and advanced than the TB2) and the upcoming Kizilelma uncrewed fighter jet.

Rival Middle East Powers Are Now Arming Both Sides Of A European War

As Europe endures its most dangerous and destructive conflict since the end of the Second World War, it is rival Middle East powers that are actively arming both sides.

www.forbes.com

 

[Combat-Master]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1573949225725054976

View: https://twitter.com/anadoluagency/status/1573949225725054976?s=20&t=dXK2YnLxDemcHPXqVxwhhQ

 

[Combat-Master]

Turkey's LHD TCG ANADOLU L400 - Will be able to carry around 50 TB-3 UCAVs'

 

[Combat-Master]

Tail number 2824 Bayraktar TB2 UCAV, produced for Poland, is on display at #MSPO2022 with the roundel of the Polish Air Force.

Poland will receive a total of 24 Bayraktar TB2s, 6 in October 2022, 6 in April 2023, 6 in October 2023, and 6 in April 2024.
View attachment 683606

View attachment 683608

Polish TB-2 Patch 'I've got my eyes on you'

 

[Combat-Master]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1575795030878408705

View: https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1575795030878408705?s=20&t=KEsCg30Zg-ORdQWITPWW9Q

 

[Grey Havoc]

Turkish firm developing country’s first unmanned helicopter

Turkey's Titra said it plans to produce 10 Alpin uncrewed helicopters per year, in addition to 250 kamikaze drones.

www.defensenews.com

 

[Combat-Master]

Turkish firm developing country’s first unmanned helicopter

Turkey's Titra said it plans to produce 10 Alpin uncrewed helicopters per year, in addition to 250 kamikaze drones.

www.defensenews.com

I mean, TAI did fly there's first in 2011

PICTURES: Turkish Aerospace Industries flies Mosquito armed UAV

Turkish Aerospace Industries has performed the debut flight of its Mosquito unmanned rotorcraft ...

www.flightglobal.com

 

[Combat-Master]

Italian Turkish collaborative company developing high speed transport drone

https://twitter.com/x/status/1584819793252999168

View: https://twitter.com/SortieCargo/status/1584819793252999168?s=20&t=isLCrVKYioF057NhiaYr3w

https://twitter.com/x/status/1552586643009404930

View: https://twitter.com/SortieCargo/status/1552586643009404930?s=20&t=isLCrVKYioF057NhiaYr3w

 

[Combat-Master]

Mini E/W Pod developed specifically for TB2 UCAV has received an update and additional capabilities not announced.