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Turkish Baykar's domestically developed unmanned combat aircraft, Bayraktar Kizilelma, continues its flight test program as scheduled, successfully completing its Aerodynamic System Identification Test.
🔴 #LATEST — Türkiye's Bayraktar Kizilelma PT-3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle successfully completes Aerodynamic System Identification Test pic.twitter.com/1ddFQeiEXq
— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) February 28, 2025
According to a statement from Baykar, Bayraktar Kizilelma's production prototype PT3 took off from the Akinci Flight Training and Test Center in Tekirdag's Corlu district, completing a 53-minute test flight at medium altitude.
During the flight, the aircraft successfully passed the necessary aerodynamic system identification evaluations.
Bayraktar Kizilelma's development remains on track, with key structural and avionics improvements implemented in its latest production prototypes.
A newly integrated afterburning engine alternative was successfully tested, bringing the aircraft closer to supersonic speeds.
With aerodynamic refinements, the aircraft is expected to perform significantly better at high speeds, offering improved maneuverability.
Additionally, its AESA radar will provide enhanced situational awareness, allowing it to execute complex missions effectively.
1.5 Tons Payload Capacity
3+ Hours Endurance
8.5 Tons Maximum Take-Off Weight
0.9 Mach Max Speed
0.6 Mach Cruise Speed
500 nm Combat Radius
25.000 Feet Operational Altitude
Basic flight performance criteria
Low RCS
Take Off and Landing Capability from Short-Runway Aircraft Carriers
High Maneuverability
High Situational Awareness with AESA Radar
Advanced Features
Service Ceiling: 45.000 feet
Cruise Speed: 0.6 mach
Operational Altitude: 25.000 feet
Maximum Speed: 0.9 mach
Communication: LOS & BLOS
MTOW: 8500 kg
Endurance: 3+ hours
Payload Capacity: 1500 kg
Take Off/Landing/Cruise/Taxi Autonomous
Power Plant: Turbofan Engine
Payload: ISR Electro-Optical Targeting System, IR Search and Track System, Multi Mode AESA Radar
Payload: Weapons Laser Guided Munitions, Missiles and Long Range Cruise Missiles
Versions Subsonic, Transonic and Supersonic
Wingspan: 10 m
Length: 14.5 m
Height: 3.5 m
Technical Specifications
The development process of Bayraktar Kizilelma, which will serve as Türkiye's first unmanned fighter jet developed indigenously and nationally by Baykar, continues in line with the planned test schedule in Ankara, Türkiye on Feb. 27, 2025 (Baykar / Handout)
Baykar launched the Bayraktar Kizilelma project in 2021, and the aircraft rolled off the production line on Nov. 14, 2022.
After undergoing ground tests at Corlu, the aircraft completed its maiden flight on December 14, 2022—achieving flight status in just one year, a record timeline in aviation history.
Bayraktar Kizilelma demonstrated its capabilities at Teknofest 2023, participating in historic formation flights with the Bayraktar Akinci UCAV.
On May 1, 2023, the aircraft flew alongside an F-16 fighter jet from SOLOTURK and F-5 jets from the Turkish Stars over Istanbul, pioneering a new era in aerial combat operations.
Baykar, which has funded all its projects with private capital, has generated 83% of its revenue from exports since launching its UAV research and development in 2003.
In 2023, the company achieved $1.8 billion in exports, ranking among Türkiye’s top 10 exporters across all industries.
As of the time being, as the world's largest UAV exporter, Baykar maintained its momentum in 2024, securing 90% of its revenue from exports.
The company has signed agreements to export Bayraktar TB2 UAVs to 34 countries and Bayraktar Akinci UCAV to 11 countries, solidifying Türkiye's leadership in the global UAV market.
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