Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 flew with the indigenously developed TM100 internal combustion engine, developed as an alternative to foreign-supplied engines.
Baykar is developing the TM100 engine to meet the needs of Bayraktar TB2 armed UAV or similar-sized platforms. Bayraktar TB2 fitted with the engine flew at an altitude of 23000 ft. Baykar CTO Selçuk Bayraktar stated that this is the second test flight with the engine.
Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar shared details regarding the new engine, showing that the engine is an internal combustion type with a power rating of 100 hp.
Starting with Bayraktar TB2, Baykar seeks to develop and produce its engines, including gas turbines, for its various platforms.
TM100’s Development
Haluk Bayraktar, giving a detailed history of TM100’s development, stated that developing an internal combustion engine for Bayraktar TB2 was deemed as a cost-ineffective move in the early years. However, the exports of Bayraktar TB2 have formed a financial structure to support the development of such an engine in recent years.
Haluk added that Baykar partnered with various private firms around Turkiye for the development and production of TM100; thanking Parsan (Crank Forging), Limöz (Gears), Estaş (Camshaft), Kanca (Piston Arms), and Özgayd (Cylinder Block Casting).
The CEO also shared an image from the production line of TM100, showing at least two engines completed.
Baykar’s Engine Ambitions
Bayraktar TB2’s TM100 engine, which will serve as both an additional powerplant option and a backup against potential sanctions, is the first step for Baykar’s journey in developing its own engines for its own platforms. Considering the large amount of orders for Bayraktar TB2, TM100's emergence can make the production quicker to some degree.
Baykar also plans to produce turbofan engines for the Kızılelma unmanned fighter, which is continuing its flight tests. For this purpose, the firm is setting up a facility in Samsun Tekkeköy OSB industrial zone and hiring engineers with expertise in gas turbine engines. Currently, Kızılelma is using the AI-322 series of afterburning turbofan engines, and TEI is developing the TF6000/10000 turbofan family as an indigenous alternative for Kızılelma and Anka-III UCAV.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
