TheAnka-3is aflying wingtypestealthUCAVcurrently in development byTurkish Aerospace Industries.[4][5][6]It is one of two Turkish jet-powered stealth UCAVs developed as part ofProject MIUS,along with theBayraktar Kızılelma.
| TAI Anka-3 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Stealthunmanned combat aerial vehicle |
| National origin | Turkey |
| Manufacturer | Turkish Aerospace Industries |
| First flight | 28 December 2023[1][2][3] |
| Introduction | 2025 (expected) |
| Status | Prototypeflight testing |
| Number built | 2 prototypes |
Development and testing
editThe runway tests of the Anka-3 began in April 2023.[7][8][9]Itsmaiden flighttook place on 28 December 2023.[1][10][2][3]The UCAV was airborne for one hour and ten minutes. On 20 August 2024, the Anka-3 successfully performed its first in-flight landing gear retraction test, marking another significant milestone in its development.[11]
On 20 September 2024, the Anka-3 successfully completed its first live-fire test, striking its target with precision. This test, conducted with the collaboration ofAselsanandRoketsan,represents a milestone for Türkiye’s rapidly advancing defense industry. The live-fire test was carried out using the AF500 electro-optic camera system, produced by Aselsan, and the Teber-82 guidance kit, developed by Roketsan.[12]
- Maximum takeoff weight:6.5 tonnes
- Payload capacity:1200 kg
- Cruise speed:250 knots (460 km/h)
- Maximum airspeed:450 knots (830 km/h)
- Service ceiling:12,000 meters (39,000 ft)
- Maximum ceiling:40,000 ft (12,000 m)
- Dimensions:17.5 meters long, 8 meters wingspan
- Armament:Capable of carrying up to 1,300 kg of various munitions, includingSOM-J,MAM,Mk82,and bunker busters.
Future developments
editPropulsion and performance
editInitially powered by a single engine,TAIplans to equip the Anka-3 with two TEI TF-10000 turbofan engines.[16]These domestically developed engines are expected to provide theUCAVwithsupersoniccapabilities, allowing it to accompany the mannedKAANcombat aircraft.[16]
Operational capabilities
editDesigned for high-speed operations, the Anka-3 offers both air-to-ground and air-to-air capabilities. Its low radar signature enhances survivability, while its endurance of up to 10 hours and high altitude capabilities enable long-range missions.[17]The UCAV can operate autonomously withline-of-sightand beyond-line-of-sight control.[15]
Beyond its combat role, the Anka-3 can perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well aselectronic warfare.Future variants may be larger with increased payload capacity, further expanding its capabilities.[14][15]
Integration and future prospects
editThe Anka-3 is part of a broader Turkish drone ecosystem, including theŞimşekand Süper Şimşek drones. These unmanned systems work together to provide a comprehensive aerial capability.
Production of the Anka-3 is underway, with plans to deliver multiple units by 2028.[15]The development of the Anka-3 and its associated technologies reflects Turkey's aim to reduce reliance on foreign military equipment and establish a domestic defense industry.[17]
The Anka-3's emergence is part of a global trend towards integrating unmanned systems into military operations. Its capabilities and the broader Turkish drone program have attracted international attention, with countries likeIndonesiaexpressing interest in acquiring similar systems.[15][17]
See also
editAircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
References
edit- ^abNewdick, Thomas (28 December 2023)."Turkey's ANKA-3 Flying Wing Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Flies".The Drive.Archivedfrom the original on 29 December 2023.Retrieved29 December2023.
- ^ab"Turkish Stealth Drone Makes Debut Flight After Years of Secrecy".Bloomberg.29 December 2023.
- ^ab"Turkey's ANKA III Fighter Drone Makes Debut Flight".Bloomberg Television. 29 December 2023.
- ^Şahan, Fazlı (24 December 2022)."İşte Anka-3".Yeni Şafak(in Turkish).Archivedfrom the original on 24 December 2022.Retrieved29 December2023.
- ^Azman, Kaan (24 December 2022)."TUSAŞ ANKA-3 MİUS'un ilk görselleri paylaşıldı!".DefenceTurk(in Turkish).Archivedfrom the original on 1 February 2023.Retrieved29 December2023.
- ^Rogoway, Tyler (19 March 2023)."Turkey's ANKA-3 Flying Wing Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Emerges".The Drive.Archivedfrom the original on 21 March 2023.Retrieved29 December2023.
- ^Yıldırım, Göksel (26 April 2023)."İnsansız savaş uçağı ANKA-3 ilk kez piste çıktı, uçuşa hazırlanıyor".Anadolu Agency(in Turkish).Archivedfrom the original on 3 May 2023.Retrieved29 December2023.
- ^"New Turkish Stealth Drone Anka-3 Revealed".Defence Labs. 26 April 2023.
- ^Alican Ayanlar (12 May 2023)."NexTech: Türkiye's Air Strategy – More Homegrown Hardware and Options".TRT World.
- ^"ANKA-3 Ankara semalarında! İlk uçuşunu gerçekleştirdi..."Hürriyet(in Turkish). 28 December 2023.Retrieved28 December2023.
- ^"Türkiye's stealth UAV, Anka-III completes landing gear retraction test in flight".Aug 20, 2024.
- ^"Türkiye's Anka-3 combat drone heads to next trial phase".Sep 20, 2024.
- ^"Turkey flies Anka 3 UCAV".Janes.Retrieved2024-05-07.
- ^ab"Anka-3 gökyüzüyle buluştu".TRT Haber(in Turkish). 28 December 2023.Archivedfrom the original on 29 December 2023.Retrieved28 December2023.
- ^abcde"Development Of Twin-Engine, Supersonic Version Of Turkey's ANKA-3 UCAV Announced".May 26, 2024.
- ^ab"Türkiye Unveils Supersonic Twin-Engine Version of ANKA-3 UCAV".29 May 2024.
- ^abc"Turkey's Aerial Might On Display! Supersonic Hurjet & Futuristic Combat UAV ANKA-III 'Dance In The Sky'".June 7, 2024.
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