Bayraktar KIZILELMA, Turkey’s first unmanned combat aircraft developed by Baykar, took off using Afterburner and successfully completed the Aerodynamic System Identification Test.
Bayraktar KIZILELMA, developed by Baykar entirely with its own resources, continues its flight tests. The production prototype TC-OZB3 tail number PT3, which took off from AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ on March 15 by activating the afterburner, successfully passed the Aerodynamic System Identification Test.
Aerodynamic system identification activities were also successfully completed during the test flight.
### Structural Improvements and New Engine
During the development process of Bayraktar KIZILELMA, significant changes were made to the production prototype in line with the experience gained from the first prototypes. While improvements were made in the avionic architecture, structural improvements were also applied. In addition, the afterburner engine alternative was successfully integrated and a flight test was carried out.
With its powerful engine, KIZILELMA is aimed to approach the speed of sound and will gain better maneuverability at high speeds thanks to aerodynamic improvements.
The unmanned combat aircraft, which provides high situational awareness with its AESA radar, will be able to perform the most challenging tasks.
Go Higher… Who can stop you!
Bayraktar KIZILELMA Unmanned Combat Aircraft Activated Afterburner!
### First Flight in Record Time
The Bayraktar KIZILELMA project started in 2021. The TC-ÖZB tail-numbered prototype, which came out of the production line on November 14, 2022, was taken to the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu. After successful completion of ground tests here, it made its first flight on December 14, 2022.
Bayraktar KIZILELMA took to the skies in just one year, performing a flight in record time.
### Pioneering Achievements in Aviation History
Bayraktar KIZILELMA performed flights during TEKNOFEST 2023 that were the first in world aviation history. KIZILELMA, which made formation flights with Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA, performed a wing flight with the fleet concept with SOLOTÜRK, the F-16 war jet, and Turkish Stars, which consists of F-5 jet aircraft, on May 1, 2023.
These flights are considered a milestone in world aviation history and are among the innovations that will shape the future air combat concept.
### Baykar Continues to Lead in Exports
Baykar continues to carry out its projects entirely with its own resources. Since the beginning of the UAV R&D process in 2003, it has obtained 83% of all its revenues from exports.
* In 2023, Baykar realized 1.8 billion dollars of exports and became one of the top 10 companies with the highest exports among all sectors in Turkey.
* In 2024, it generated 90% of its revenue from exports, with exports reaching 1.8 billion dollars.
Baykar is the largest company in the world’s unmanned aerial vehicle export market.
Source: SavunmaSanayiST.com / Baykar
Citations:
[1] https://www.savunmasanayist.com/bayraktar-kizilelma-afterburner-ile-havalandi/
