Bayraktar Combat Drone’s Naval Variant Ready for its Maiden Flight

Turkey’s Baykar has announced the successful completion of takeoff and landing tests for the naval variant of the Bayraktar TB2 drone, known as the Bayraktar TB3.

This information was shared on social media by Baykar on October 20.

The completion of these vital tests indicates that the TB3 is now fully prepared for deployment. The TB3 represents a naval evolution of the TB2 drone, purpose-built to take off and land on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships with short runways, effectively transforming it into the world's first drone carrier. The TB3, in conjunction with the Kızılelma drone, is set to undertake crucial roles in reconnaissance, enemy engagement, and air defense.

Notably, the Kızılelma jet-powered drone commenced active flight testing on December 3, 2022.

While the Bayraktar TB3 shares some similarities with the TB2, it distinguishes itself with a broader range of capabilities and larger dimensions. Featuring a 14-meter wingspan and 8.35-meter length, the TB3 offers more extensive operational capabilities compared to its predecessor.

With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,450 kilograms and a payload capacity of 280 kilograms, the TB3 represents a significant increase over the TB2's 750 kilograms and 130 kilograms, respectively. Furthermore, the TB3 is powered by a 172-horsepower PD170 engine from Turkey's TEI, replacing the 100-horsepower Rotax 912.