Maiden Flight of Turkey's Bayraktar KIZILELMA Combat UAV Production Prototype

The production prototype of Bayraktar KIZILELMA, Turkey’s first indigenously developed unmanned combat aircraft, completed its maiden flight.

The third production prototype, designated TC-ÖZB3, was transferred to the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ, in July.

Prior to the maiden flight, the prototype underwent critical ground tests, including engine run-up, automatic taxi, run tests, and lift-off tests. The flight was completed in the morning at Çorlu.

During the flight, system identification activities were executed.

The development of Bayraktar KIZILELMA is ongoing, with recent advancements including structural improvements and enhancements to the avionics architecture. The flight utilized an afterburner engine, enabling the aircraft to approach the speed of sound. Enhanced aerodynamics are expected to improve performance at high speeds and during maneuvers, while the AESA radar will provide high situational awareness for executing complex missions. The aircraft also has the ability to operate from short-runway ships, such as Turkey’s TCG Anadolu.

The Bayraktar KIZILELMA project was initiated in 2021 and is entirely funded by Baykar. The prototype achieved its first flight in record time, having rolled off the production line on November 14, 2022, and completing ground tests before its first flight on December 14, 2022.