ALPİN-2, exhibited during the IDEF25 defence exhibition, has come with a new sling load system and the armament mounting capabilities, including Merküt FPV UAVs.
The new version of ALPİN Rotor UAV features a more streamlined fuselage compared to the somewhat more exposed baseline ALPİN. However, the most important part about ALPİN-2 is its new provisions to handle new kinds of payloads.
Firstly, ALPİN-2 features a sling-loading capability that the baseline ALPİN lacks. Sling loading allows for the carriage of cargo that is within the weight limits but too large in volume for conformal carriage. Considering one of ALPİN-2’s main missions is cargo delivery, this represents an important jump in flexibility.
The second payload provision is for armament with the addition of two tandem hardpoints on each side. These hardpoints can be fitted with various light munitions. During the exhibition, ALPİN-2 was displayed with eight FPV kamikaze UAVs mounted on these hardpoints. However, more should be on the way considering Turkiye's wide portfolio in the lightweight munitions field, where multiple firms are pumping out products for different needs.
In terms of performance statistics, the brochure for ALPİN-2 shows no change in MTOW and operational ceiling, which are 550 kg and 21000 ft, respectively.
However, there is an important detail which covers the endurance based on payload weight. Endurance values have been given as two hours with a 150 kg payload, five hours with a 100 kg payload, and seven hours with a 60 kg payload. It can be understood that the nine hours of maximum endurance involve a rather minimal payload that would be sufficient for simple ISR missions.
The FPV kamikaze UAV solution MERKÜT has been integrated into ALPİN 2. Titra Technology has brought the “UAV-carrying-UAV” concept to a field-deployable level for the first time. The need for a carrier, arising from the inherently short range of FPV technology, has been met through ALPİN 2.
Standing out with advanced mission flexibility, high precision, and a secure munitions capacity, MERKÜT is a next-generation attack system capable of operating in both day and night conditions, offering uninterrupted operational superiority even in electronic warfare environments. In this way, MERKÜT can now be transported up to a range of 200 kilometres, extending its reach from the tactical level to operational depth.
During ALPİN 2’s cargo transport missions, potential threats will be countered with the MERKÜT FPV. In such cases, ALPİN 2 will act as a relay, extending MERKÜT’s operational range. Strategic capabilities gained through the ALPİN 2–MERKÜT integration include long-range FPV strikes, real-time image transmission, active protection missions, and communication relay capability.
MERKÜT, aside from its funcntion as a kamikaze UAV, can act as a remote sensor for ALPİN 2 with the video feed capabilities. Thus, while ALPİN 2 does not carry heavy-duty optics that can view tens of kilometres away, MERKÜT can go near the designated area to perform close surveillance.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
