TAI Anka-3

TAI Anka-3
Role Stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle
National origin Turkey
Manufacturer Turkish Aerospace Industries
First flight 28 December 2023[1][2][3]
Introduction 2025 (expected)
Status Prototype flight testing
Number built 2 prototypes

The Anka-3 is a flying wing type stealth UCAV currently in development by Turkish Aerospace Industries.[4][5][6] It is one of two Turkish jet-powered stealth UCAVs developed as part of Project MIUS, along with the Bayraktar Kızılelma.

Development and testing

The runway tests of the Anka-3 began in April 2023.[7][8][9] Its maiden flight took place on 28 December 2023.[1][10][2][3] The UCAV was airborne for one hour and ten minutes. On 20 August 2024, the Anka-3 successfully performed its first in-flight landing gear retraction test, marking another significant milestone in its development.[11]

On 20 September 2024, the Anka-3 successfully completed its first live-fire test, striking its target with precision. This test, conducted with the collaboration of Aselsan and Roketsan, represents a milestone for Türkiye’s rapidly advancing defense industry. The live-fire test was carried out using the AF500 electro-optic camera system, produced by Aselsan, and the Teber-82 guidance kit, developed by Roketsan.[12]

Technical Specifications:[13][14][15]

  • Maximum takeoff weight: 6.5 tonnes
  • Payload capacity: 1200 kg
  • Cruise speed: 250 knots (460 km/h)
  • Maximum airspeed: 450 knots (830 km/h)
  • Service ceiling: 12,000 meters (39,000 ft)
  • Maximum ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,000 m)
  • Dimensions: 17.5 meters long, 8 meters wingspan
  • Armament: Capable of carrying up to 1,300 kg of various munitions, including SOM-J, MAM, Mk82, and bunker busters.

Future developments

Propulsion and performance

Initially powered by a single engine, TAI plans to equip the Anka-3 with two TEI TF-10000 turbofan engines.[16] These domestically developed engines are expected to provide the UCAV with supersonic capabilities, allowing it to accompany the manned KAAN combat aircraft.[16]

Operational capabilities

Designed for high-speed operations, the Anka-3 offers both air-to-ground and air-to-air capabilities. Its low radar signature enhances survivability, while its endurance of up to 10 hours and high altitude capabilities enable long-range missions.[17] The UCAV can operate autonomously with line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight control.[15]

Beyond its combat role, the Anka-3 can perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as electronic warfare. Future variants may be larger with increased payload capacity, further expanding its capabilities.[14][15]

Integration and future prospects

The Anka-3 is part of a broader Turkish drone ecosystem, including the Şimşek and Süper Şimşek drones. These unmanned systems work together to provide a comprehensive aerial capability.

Production of the Anka-3 is underway, with plans to deliver multiple units by 2028.[15] The development of the Anka-3 and its associated technologies reflects Turkey's aim to reduce reliance on foreign military equipment and establish a domestic defense industry.[17]

The Anka-3's emergence is part of a global trend towards integrating unmanned systems into military operations. Its capabilities and the broader Turkish drone program have attracted international attention, with countries like Indonesia expressing interest in acquiring similar systems.[15][17]

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

  1. ^ a b Newdick, Thomas (28 December 2023). "Turkey's ANKA-3 Flying Wing Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Flies". The Drive. Archived from the original on 29 December 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Turkish Stealth Drone Makes Debut Flight After Years of Secrecy". Bloomberg. 29 December 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Turkey's ANKA III Fighter Drone Makes Debut Flight". Bloomberg Television. 29 December 2023.
  4. ^ Şahan, Fazlı (24 December 2022). "İşte Anka-3". Yeni Şafak (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 24 December 2022. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  5. ^ Azman, Kaan (24 December 2022). "TUSAŞ ANKA-3 MİUS'un ilk görselleri paylaşıldı!". DefenceTurk (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  6. ^ Rogoway, Tyler (19 March 2023). "Turkey's ANKA-3 Flying Wing Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Emerges". The Drive. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  7. ^ Yıldırım, Göksel (26 April 2023). "İnsansız savaş uçağı ANKA-3 ilk kez piste çıktı, uçuşa hazırlanıyor". Anadolu Agency (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  8. ^ "New Turkish Stealth Drone Anka-3 Revealed". Defence Labs. 26 April 2023.
  9. ^ Alican Ayanlar (12 May 2023). "NexTech: Türkiye's Air Strategy – More Homegrown Hardware and Options". TRT World.
  10. ^ "ANKA-3 Ankara semalarında! İlk uçuşunu gerçekleştirdi..." Hürriyet (in Turkish). 28 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  11. ^ "Türkiye's stealth UAV, Anka-III completes landing gear retraction test in flight". Aug 20, 2024.
  12. ^ "Türkiye's Anka-3 combat drone heads to next trial phase". Sep 20, 2024.
  13. ^ "Turkey flies Anka 3 UCAV". Janes.com. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
  14. ^ a b "Anka-3 gökyüzüyle buluştu". TRT Haber (in Turkish). 28 December 2023. Archived from the original on 29 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  15. ^ a b c d e "Development Of Twin-Engine, Supersonic Version Of Turkey's ANKA-3 UCAV Announced". May 26, 2024.
  16. ^ a b "Türkiye Unveils Supersonic Twin-Engine Version of ANKA-3 UCAV". 29 May 2024.
  17. ^ a b c "Turkey's Aerial Might On Display! Supersonic Hurjet & Futuristic Combat UAV ANKA-III 'Dance In The Sky'". June 7, 2024.


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