Turkey’s First Unmanned Fighter Clears Aerodynamic System Identification Test

Turkey’s first unmanned fighter jet, Bayraktar Kizilelma, has completed its Aerodynamic System Identification Test as part of its ongoing development program.

The aircraft, produced by Baykar, took off from the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ. The production prototype, Bayraktar Kizilelma PT3, flew at medium altitude for 53 minutes while performing the required aerodynamic system identification tests. These tests determine an aircraft's aerodynamic properties by analyzing responses to controlled inputs, aiding in improving flight control and performance. Baykar stated that the tests were completed successfully and that the project remains on schedule.

Bayraktar Kizilelma features structural enhancements and an updated avionics architecture. It recently underwent a flight test with an alternative engine equipped with an afterburner. This new engine is expected to allow the aircraft to approach the speed of sound and perform advanced maneuvers at higher speeds.

The unmanned fighter jet is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, enhancing its situational awareness for complex missions. Baykar self-financed the development of Bayraktar Kizilelma, which first rolled off the production line on November 14, 2022, and completed its maiden flight on December 14, 2022.

The aircraft achieved its first flight within a year of production.