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Bayraktar TB1

From Alfawiki
Baykar
Company typePrivate
IndustryDefense, Aerospace
Founded2004
Headquarters
Turkey
,
Turkey
ProductsUnmanned aerial vehicles (Bayraktar UAV series)


Template:Infobox aircraft

The Bayraktar UAV or Bayraktar UCAV represents a series of unmanned aerial vehicles engineered and produced by the Turkish company Baykar. These UAVs have been under development since 2004 specifically for the Turkish Armed Forces. Certain variants focus solely on surveillance and reconnaissance roles, while others possess capabilities for tactical strikes on ground targets. Additionally, Baykar is advancing drone technologies intended to neutralize hostile aerial threats. The term bayraktar translates to flag-bearer in the Turkish language.

Bayraktar Mini UAV

File:Bayraktar Mini iha zorlu şartlar.jpg
Bayraktar Mini UAV
Main article: Baykar Bayraktar Mini UAV

The Bayraktar Mini UAV is a compact unmanned aerial system and marks the inaugural UAV developed by the Turkish manufacturer Baykar. Initiated in 2004, its design aimed to fulfill short-range day-and-night aerial reconnaissance and surveillance missions. By 2005, the first prototype, known as Bayraktar Mini A, was created. After demonstrating successful autonomous flights, Baykar secured a contract to commence serial production for the Turkish Armed Forces. The initial production run consisted of 19 units, primarily deployed in Turkey’s southeastern regions to support counterterrorism efforts.

Following extensive flight testing accumulating hundreds of operational hours, significant enhancements were made leading to updated models. Consequently, the Bayraktar Mini B variant became operational in December 2007, initially serving with the Turkish Armed Forces. Due to its proven effectiveness, exports began with deliveries to the Qatar Armed Forces in 2012. Development continues with newer iterations like the Bayraktar MINI D, which offers double the communication range and threefold increase in maximum altitude compared to earlier versions.

Bayraktar TB1

The Bayraktar TB1, also known as Bayraktar Çaldıran, served as the initial prototype UAV developed under Turkey's Tactical UAV program managed by the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (Savunma Sanayii Müsteşarlığı or SSM, currently the Presidency of Defense Industries). This initiative began in 2007. As part of the program’s prototype demonstration phase, SSM invited two firms to participate in a competitive process. In 2009, the joint venture Kale-Baykar, formed by Kale Group and Baykar Technologies, presented Block A—referred to as Bayraktar Çaldıran—which featured a dual redundant avionics system and fully autonomous takeoff and landing functions. This model was ultimately chosen as the program’s winner. Although a contract was signed with the Presidency of Defense Industries for Bayraktar TB1 units, these remained prototypes and were never delivered; development efforts shifted toward Bayraktar Block 2 variants. Consequently, serial manufacturing began with the Bayraktar TB2 model.

Bayraktar TB2

File:Bayraktar TB2 Runway.jpg
Bayraktar TB2
Main article: Baykar Bayraktar TB2

The Bayraktar TB2 represents the production version following the first tactical UAV, Bayraktar TB1, developed by Baykar.

Following the operational experience gained from flying the initial tactical UAV Bayraktar Çaldıran (TB1) in 2011, Baykar initiated development of an advanced combat tactical aerial vehicle system upon request from the Presidency of Defense Industries. The TB2 achieved its inaugural flight in August 2014. On 18 December 2015, a video was released showcasing missile testing conducted in partnership with ROKETSAN, which included trials of Roketsan's MAM (Smart Micro Munition)s and TUBITAK-SAGE BOZOK laser-guided bombs for the first time. The Turkish Armed Forces categorize the Bayraktar as belonging to the "Tactical UAV Class" to differentiate it from the TAI Anka UAV; however, global classification standards would place it within the medium-altitude long-endurance UAV category.

Bayraktar Akıncı

File:BayraktarAkıncı Teknofest2019 (1).jpg
Bayraktar Akıncı displayed at Teknofest 2019
Main article: Baykar Bayraktar Akıncı

Bayraktar Akıncı represents Baykar's inaugural High-altitude Long Endurance (HALE) class unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).

This platform features a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 5.5 tons, with its payload capacity surpassing 1350 kilograms. It is powered by two turboprop engines, each delivering between 450 and 750 horsepower. The Akıncı is outfitted with advanced electronic support and countermeasure suites, dual satellite communication systems, air-to-air radar, collision avoidance radar, and a domestically developed advanced synthetic aperture radar.

Bayraktar TB3

Main article: Baykar Bayraktar TB3

The Bayraktar TB3 is an adaptation of the TB2 model designed to operate from ship decks. In February 2021, Ismail Demir, chairman of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), revealed that Baykar is developing a new UAV variant intended to be deployed aboard Turkey's first drone carrier amphibious assault ship, the TCG Anadolu. This naval version of the Bayraktar TB2 incorporates an engine produced by Turkish manufacturer Tusaş Engine Industries (TEI).

Demir indicated that the Anadolu will accommodate between 30 and 50 folding-wing Bayraktar TB3 UAVs capable of deck takeoffs and landings. Baykar’s Chief Technology Officer, Selçuk Bayraktar, announced in 2021 that the maiden flight for the TB3 was planned for 2022.

Bayraktar Kızılelma

Main article: Baykar Bayraktar Kızılelma

The Bayraktar Kızılelma (meaning Red Apple) is an advanced supersonic, jet-powered, single-engine stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed for carrier operations. Development was underway as of 2021, with its inaugural flight anticipated in 2023.

According to specifications released by the manufacturer, the Bayraktar Kızılelma is expected to operate at an altitude of 35,000 feet, feature a maximum takeoff weight of 5.5 tons, carry a payload up to 1.5 tons, and accommodate one ton of munitions.

Bayraktar VTOL

Main article: Bayraktar VTOL

Bayraktar YIHA III

The Bayraktar YIHA III represents an affordable loitering munition system. This precision-guided aerial weapon has been jointly developed by Pakistan's National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) and Turkey's Baykar Technologies. Engineered as a contemporary tool for asymmetric warfare scenarios, the YIHA III aims to neutralize high-value targets efficiently while minimizing logistical demands and operational expenses.

Ethiopia

As of 2023, Bayraktar TB2 drones have been deployed in Ethiopia. During the conflict in the Amhara Region that year, drone strikes reportedly resulted predominantly in civilian casualties. According to BBC News, an attack on December 10 in the Amhara Sayint district caused between 30 and 40 fatalities. Additionally, Al Jazeera English obtained video evidence from a November 30 drone strike near Delanta Primary Hospital in Wegel Tena that killed five civilians, including medical personnel. The footage depicted an ambulance engulfed in flames with its roof collapsed, indicative of a direct aerial strike.[1]

PKK/YPG–Turkey conflict

The Turkish armed forces have prominently deployed TB-2 drones in their counterinsurgency campaigns targeting positions of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the People's Protection Units (YPG) located across the Iraqi and Syrian borders. Both Turkey, the United States, and the European Union classify the PKK as a terrorist group. Additionally, Turkey designates the YPG as a terrorist organization due to its close affiliation with the PKK.

Libya

In June 2019, international media outlets reported that the Government of National Accord (GNA), recognized by the United Nations,[2] employed Bayraktar TB2 drones to conduct strikes on an airbase controlled by General Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA). Despite the ongoing UN arms embargo related to Libya’s civil conflict, it is believed that at least three Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles were actively operating over Tripoli on behalf of GNA forces. On 6 June 2019, LNA attacks at Mitiga Airport resulted in the destruction of two GNA Bayraktar TB2 drones along with an operations center. Video footage has confirmed the presence of at least one Bayraktar TB2 flying over Tripoli, preparing to land at Mitiga’s military sector, which remains under GNA-allied control.

Syria

In March 2020, Turkey deployed Bayraktar TB2 drones, Anka-S UAVs, and multiple Koral electronic jamming devices in a coordinated campaign targeting Syrian Army positions during the Operation Spring Shield. This operation was initiated by Turkey following the setbacks suffered by its forces due to airstrikes carried out by Russian troops in northwestern Syria at the end of February 2020. Experts regarded this deployment as highly effective and a significant tactical advancement.[3][4][5]

Azerbaijan and 2020 Nagorno Karabakh war

File:Bayraktar TB2 at 2020 Victory Parade in Baku.jpg
Bayraktar TB2 at the 2020 Victory Parade held in Baku, Azerbaijan

In June 2020, Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister, Zakir Hasanov, confirmed the country’s decision to acquire Bayraktar drones from Turkey.[6] Throughout the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Bayraktar TB2 UAVs played a crucial role against the Armed Forces of Armenia with notable effectiveness.[7] The TB2s were instrumental in neutralizing Armenian artillery units, infantry locations, and military vehicles such as BM-30 Smerch MLRS, T-72 tanks, as well as BMP-1 and BMP-2 IFVs.[8][9] Additionally, several Armenian air defense systems including multiple Osa, Strela-10, and five S-300 units were taken out by these drones.[8][10][11][12]

Ukraine

File:Bayraktar TB2 of UAF, 2020, 09.jpg
Bayraktar TB2 operated by the Ukrainian Air Force equipped with MAM-L, with two ground control stations visible in the background

In 2019, as part of its efforts to modernize its military capabilities, the Armed Forces of Ukraine procured 12 Bayraktar TB2 drones.[13][14] Following their effective deployment, the Ukrainian Navy placed an order for an additional five Bayraktar TB2 units, which were reportedly delivered in 2020.[15] Concurrently, officials from Turkey and Ukraine announced plans to establish a joint production facility in Ukraine aimed at manufacturing 48 more Bayraktar TB2 drones.[16]

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine extensively deployed its Bayraktar TB2 drones for reconnaissance missions and to strike Russian ground convoys.[17][18][19] These unmanned aerial vehicles played a crucial role in hindering Russian troop advancements during the initial phase of the conflict.[20]

The Chief of General Staff, Valery Zaluzhny, shared images on his Facebook profile demonstrating Bayraktar TB2 operations, including footage showing the destruction of a Russian Buk Air Defense Missile System.[21]

Operators

As of September, Baykar has reportedly supplied its UAVs to 32 different nations.[22] Among these, 31 countries operate the TB2 model, while 8 have acquired the Akıncı drones. Notably, 7 of the Akıncı users also deploy the TB2.[23]

Certain nations utilizing Baykar’s drones have not been publicly identified. Below is a compilation of countries confirmed to operate these systems:[24]

Gallery

See also

References

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  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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  14. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  15. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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  21. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  22. ↑ The count of international agreements Baykar has secured for its UAV platforms has surpassed 30.
  23. ↑ Details on the number of countries importing Baykar's Akıncı and TB2 drones were disclosed recently.
  24. ↑ An overview of global demand and export success for Bayraktar drones.
  25. ↑ Turkey has delivered Bayraktar TB2 drones to the armed forces of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
  26. ↑ Insight into the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan highlighting drone usage.
  27. ↑ Coverage of how drone warfare influenced the defense of Tripoli.
  28. ↑ Ukrainian forces employing Turkish-made Bayraktar Mini drones against Russian troops.
  29. ↑ Ukraine’s intention to procure 48 units of the Bayraktar TB2 armed drone system.
  30. ↑ Turkmenistan’s public display of newly acquired Bayraktar TB2 UAVs.
  31. ↑ Morocco’s reception of Turkish-manufactured drones confirmed.
  32. ↑ Poland becoming the first NATO member state to purchase Turkish drones.
  33. ↑ Kyrgyzstan identified as a new recipient of the Bayraktar TB2 UAVs.
  34. ↑ Announcement regarding Kyrgyzstan’s upcoming delivery of Turkish armed drones.
  35. ↑ The initial export contract for Akıncı TİHA was signed with Niger.
  36. ↑ Claims regarding delivery of Bayraktar TB2 drones to Ethiopia.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 Confirmation from Pakistan on acquiring both AKINCI TİHA and Bayraktar TB2 systems.
  38. ↑ Information on Pakistan operating the YIHA III drone model.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3 Reports indicate presence of Bayraktar TB2 drones in eight African nations including Djibouti.
  40. ↑ Albania’s defense minister announced arrival of Bayraktar drones in the country.
  41. ↑ Albania has deployed Turkish-made YIHA-III kamikaze UAVs.
  42. ↑ Further confirmation on Albania receiving previously utilized strike drones including YIHA III models.

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External links

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