Baykar CTO Selçuk Bayraktar has shared the footage of Bayraktar TB3 UCAV performing approaches towards TCG ANADOLU's deck at night.
Despite the poor visibility conditions at night, the UCAV successfully managed to match its trajectory with the deck.
Following the first ski-jump test from a test runway imitating TCG ANADOLU LHD's (L400) announced on June 1, 2024, Bayraktar TB3 has begun its approach tests for the last phase of its testing, almost a year after the maiden flight.
These approach tests will continue at different daytime, weather, and ship cruise conditions to validate Bayraktar TB3's capability for autonomous approach within the scope of design goals.
For safety reasons, the short landing tests on TCG ANADOLU might follow the same tests on the ground-based testbed.
Thanks to its low stall speed, reinforced landing gear, and more effective braking than similar UAVs of its size, Bayraktar TB3 will be able to operate from angled deck LHDs without arresting equipment.
With an endurance varying from 21 to 32 hours depending on payload, Bayraktar TB3 will take on a variety of missions, including armed ISR, small-scale strike, and maritime patrol, to support TCG ANADOLU's battle group or landing operations.
The armament options include MAM-series smart munitions, TOLUN small-diameter bombs, SUNGUR air-to-air missiles, and KEMANKEŞ 1 loitering munition. In addition to an onboard EO/IR gimbal (CATS or ASELFLIR-500), other options like AESA radar and sonobuoys are possible.
Bayraktar TB3 Starts Night Approach Tests with TCG ANADOLU
