ANKA-3 UCAV Successfully Completes Maiden Flight
TAI’s ANKA-3 Unmanned Combat Aircraft Successfully Completes First Flight
On December 28, the ANKA-3 Unmanned Combat Aircraft developed by TAI, took its first flight. The aircraft, which is characterized by its ‘flying wing’ design, successfully completed a 1 hour and 10-minute flight, reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet and a speed of 150 knots.
The ANKA-3 is the third member of TAI’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) family. It is a vertical tailless Turbofan powered UAV, and in its first flight, it also performed the missed runway test. Its flight was accompanied by the HÜRKUŞ Basic Training Aircraft and ANKA Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, both developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries using domestic resources.
The new generation UAV system is designed to provide reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, attack with different air-ground munitions, and engage enemy helicopters, propeller planes, and UAVs with air-to-air ammunition. It also has the capability to neutralize enemy RF emitting radar and air defense systems, protect friendly forces, gather signals and communications intelligence, and perform electronic warfare, operation, and communication relay tasks with other friendly elements.
With the ability to carry 650 kg of ammunition at each of its stations, the ANKA-3 will be able to integrate different types of munitions, including large options such as SOM-J, MK-82, and Miniature Bomb (SDB).
The aircraft has a maximum cruising speed of 0.7 Mach, a ceiling of 40,000 ft, a payload capacity of 1200 kg, and can stay in the air for up to 10 hours.
Speaking about the first flight of ANKA-3, TAI General Manager Prof. Dr. Temel Kotil expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Good luck. May God protect our country, we now have a UAV in the sky that the enemy cannot see but can see its enemy. May God grant you good fortune.”
The successful first flight of the ANKA-3 Unmanned Combat Aircraft is another advancement in Turkey’s rapidly growing defense industry. The development and testing of such advanced technology demonstrate the country’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities.
