Bayraktar Kizilelma advances flight testing, nearing supersonic speeds
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 February 27, 2025 (Baykar / Handout)
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
Successful aerodynamic testing
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.
Enhanced performance and maneuverability
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 |
| Low RCS | Take Off and Landing Capability from Short-Runway Aircraft Carriers |
| High Maneuverability | High Situational Awareness with AESA Radar |
| 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 |
Rapid development timeline
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.
Leading global drone market
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.
