Baykar’s AKINCI UCAV fired two new versions of ROKETSAN’s UAV-122 aero-ballistic missiles with seekers, lasers and TV. The missiles successfully hit raft-sized sea targets in the tests. The UAV-122 missile’s first version only had a guidance system with GNSS and INS. The addition of seekers offers flexibility against moving and pre-defined targets. The seeker’s location coincides with the white tip on the baseline UAV-122 missile, indicating that the missiles have been designed with the provision for seekers from the beginning.
The same feature is likely present on the larger UAV-230 missile. Thus, UAV-230 might also be suitable for seekers shortly. With the successful integration of the laser seeker on the TRLG-122 missile, a variant of the TRG-122 guided artillery rocket. it wouldn’t be a surprise to see ROKETSAN developing the laser-guided UAV-122 variant in a short period. This advancement could potentially be utilized by the AKINCI and other platforms for laser designation on the target. The emergence of the TV seeker variant marks the first time ROKETSAN integrated this type of seeker on a missile. Previously, the gliding MAM-L smart munition was tested from AKINCI with a TV seeker. ROKETSAN will also use a TV+IIR seeker on its UMTAS-GM Block 2 new-generation ATGM. With their feed to the launching aircraft, TV seekers add a man-in-the-loop capability to the missile. This would provide moving target engagement capability and allow the missile to pick pre-defined targets. Compared to IIR seekers with a similar function, TV seekers are lower cost and easier to manufacture. ROKETSAN’s UAV line of aero-ballistic missiles has been developed from the TRG family of guided artillery rockets with new flight software. The 230 mm UAV-230 can reach a range of 150 km, while the 122 mm UAV-122 can reach a range of more than 55 km.
