Baykar's Bayraktar TB3 STOL UCAV successfully took off from and landed on TCG ANADOLU (L400) LHD for the first time.
At takeoff, the speed of TCG ANADOLU and the ski jump brought advantage. In the landing phase, the braking system successfully stopped the UCAV slightly at half-length without requiring any arresting gear.
Additionally, the UCAV approached the runway under winds, causing horizontal shifts.
Before the landing on TCG ANADOLU (L 400), night approach tests were performed to validate the automatic landing system.
The flight test from the intended platform, which took place almost a year after the maiden flight from a conventional runway, is a merit of rapid progress in the testing phase.
Bayraktar TB3 will mainly operate as an armed ISR platform with an endurance between 21 and 36 hours (Depending on loadout) from TCG ANADOLU (L 400) . With its diverse range of payloads and long endurance, the UCAV can patrol around TCG ANADOLU (L 400) or support landing operations.
The UCAV is powered by a TEI PD170 turbodiesel engine, which is also used on ANKA and AKSUNGUR UCAVs of TUSAŞ. The payload capacity is up to 280 kg, including MAM-series munitions, TOLUN SDB, KEMANKEŞ 1 loitering munition, and SUNGUR air-to-air missile, in addition to an EO/IR system. Other options, such as sonobuoys and AESA radar, are also possible.
Thanks to the folding wings, multiple Bayraktar TB3s can be stored in TCG ANADOLU's hangar without significantly compromising the number of other aircraft.
