Turkey's Unmanned Fighter Jet Completes Ground Test

Turkey’s National Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle System (MIUS) has successfully completed ground tests.

Named Kızılelma, the unmanned fighter jet, completed its first runway run and autonomous taxiing test at an air base in northwestern Tekirdağ province, according to a video shared by its developer Baykar on Sunday.

The test was overseen by Baykar’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Selçuk Bayraktar.

Kızılelma will be capable of taking off from and landing on short-runway aircraft carriers, including Turkey’s flagship-to-be amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, which is expected to enter service next month.

The autonomously maneuvering Kızılelma will be capable of operating in tandem with piloted aircraft, and may carry air-to-air missiles, the company said.

The unmanned fighter jet is projected to conduct a multitude of military actions, such as strategic offensives, close air support (CAS), missile offensives, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and destruction of enemy air defenses (DEAD).

Baykar last year signed a contract with Ivchenko-Progress, one of the leading Ukrainian manufacturers, for the procurement of engines for the MIUS. Ivchenko-Progress was projected to supply the AI-322F Turbofan engine for the jet under the agreement.

The aircraft is set to feature a high operational altitude and takeoff weight of 5,500kg. It is envisaged to carry 1.5 tons of useful payload. It is projected to be capable of flying for five hours and reaching speeds of up to 800 kph.