Turkey’s ANKA-3 project, the country’s first vertical-tailless turbofan-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), achieved another significant milestone with its successful maiden flight. The ANKA-3’s inaugural flight lasted for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet, the ANKA-3 attained a speed of 150 knots. The ANKA-3 also conducted a runway pass-over test during this flight.
The maiden voyage of the ANKA-3 was flanked by the HURKUS basic training aircraft and the ANKA UAV, both of which were domestically engineered by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
The ANKA-3 represents a cutting-edge iteration of UAVs, boasting multifaceted capabilities ranging from reconnaissance and surveillance to intelligence gathering and air-to-ground assaults
This advanced platform is adept at engaging enemy helicopters, propeller-driven aircraft, and UAVs, while also excelling in scanning for aerial threats and neutralizing adversary radars emitting RF signals and air defense systems.
Moreover, it provides invaluable support to friendly forces both in the air and on the ground, offering services such as signal and communication intelligence, electronic warfare, and operational relay with allied elements, among other functionalities.
Turkey’s flagship project, the ANKA-3 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle, made its debut with its new paint scheme. The aircraft, which has garnered significant acclaim, stands out for its versatility in carrying out multiple missions.
In recent months, ANKA-3, Türkiye’s second product in the unmanned combat aerial vehicle domain, has continued its test activities successfully. As the first Turkish air platform in the flying wing architecture, ANKA-3 was captured in its new paint scheme.
The new image of ANKA-3 showcases white lines around the fuselage, a departure from its previous fully dark gray paint. The change in the aircraft’s appearance is seen as more aesthetically driven than purely technical.
ANKA-3’s performance specifications include
- Maximum Cruise Speed: 0.7 Mach
- Service ceiling: 40,000 feet
- Payload capacity: 1200 kg.
- Endurance: 10 hours
The ANKA-3 boasts shared avionics architecture and GCS (ground control station) with Anka and Anka II UAVs, featuring low radar visibility (stealth), high transit speed, and a high payload capacity.
With Line of Sight/Beyond Line of Sight (Satellite Control) capabilities, it has a maximum takeoff weight of 6,500 kg and a cruise speed of 250 knots/0.42 Mach at 30,000 feet, with a maximum speed of 425 knots/0.7 Mach.
This development signifies Turkey’s significant progress in unmanned combat aerial vehicles, showcasing its expanding prowess in country’s defense technology.
Source: Türkiye