Baykar has unveiled the K2 long-range kamikaze UAV that can take off from unprepared short runways and be reused, with a test footage showing swarm capability.
The new K2 long-range kamikaze UAV from Baykar brings an oversize standard with not only range but also a large warhead.
Baykar has listed K2’s specifications as a range of 2000 km, MTOW of 800 kg, and a 200 kg warhead.
Beyond the numbers, other features of K2 include takeoff from unprepared and short runways and AI-supported swarm operation.
This is not the first time that Baykar has developed a runway-based kamikaze UAV. Previously, Baykar developed a kamikaze UAV dubbed YIHA that, interestingly, was not officially announced but spotted being used by Ukraine and Pakistan in recent conflicts. K2 was likely developed after the feedback regarding YIHA as something to double down on with bigger numbers and more advanced features.
The test video shared by Baykar includes some important details providing hints on K2’s operational concept.
Bayraktar TB2 Spin-Off?
It is clearly seen that, other than the name rhyming, K2 is based on Bayraktar TB2 armed UAV’s fuselage with a common design. However, with its different mission profile in mind, the aerodynamic layout is a whole other story.
Whereas Bayraktar TB2 has wide unswept wings and an inverse V-tail, K2 is practically tailless with swept wings, wingtip rudders, and lifting canards. Lifting canards with flaps and a larger area compared to fully moving canards primarily serve to reduce the takeoff distance, besides enhancing agility, which might be one of the contributing factors to K2’s STOL capability.
Additionally, if K2 is indeed based on Bayraktar TB2, that means the two UAVs have a common powerplant. This points out to Baykar having a large stock of 100+ hp class gasoline engines and/or establishing a sufficient supply of its self-developed TM100 engine.
Onboard Features
The test shows K2’s autonomous swarm capabilities with five units, as well as a coordinated landing that includes parking.
Baykar stated that AI features include navigation, targeting, and engagement.
One noteworthy detail is that only one K2 is seen to carry an unknown pod beneath the fuselage. This could mean that at least one K2 is assigned as a “pack leader” for swarm coordination with the use of said pod.
Additionally, a small gimbal is seen on each K2 as the main sensor, but considering the size and a fuselage hardpoint for the aforementioned pod, secondary payloads could be possible.
Long-Range Effector for TCG Anadolu LHD?
A small part of the video shows the five K2 kamikaze UAVs standing by on the mock runway previously used for Bayraktar TB3 STOL UCAV’s ground-based flight tests.
This implies that K2 might be set to be deployed on the Turkish Navy’s TCG Anadolu LHD (L400) as a long-range effector.
Coupled with the STOL capability and Bayraktar TB3 potentially acting as the “overseer”, a group of K2 kamikaze UAVs with long range and large warhead size can allow TCG Anadolu to perform stand-off attacks. This is important for the Turkish Navy as a complement to the future GEZGİN land attack cruise missile to be deployed on Tepe-class AAW destroyers.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
