Following the test with ASELSAN’s CATS electro-optical system, Bayraktar TB3’s first prototype flew with ASELFLIR-500 during the 25th flight test.
Bayraktar TB3 flew for six hours during the test. An AKINCI UCAV on takeoff was also tracked with ASELFLIR-500.
The video featured the retraction feature of Bayraktar TB3’s electro-optic housing. This mechanism’s purpose can be explained as protecting the highly sensitive electro-optic from marine conditions where Bayraktar TB3 will operate.
ASELFLIR-500 represents a leap in weight and sensor resolution compared to the previous CATS. Designed for tactical and MALE UCAVs, ASELFLIR-500 sports 1280x1024 px SWIR and MWIR cameras and a 4096x2880 px day camera.
The performance of Bayraktar TB3’s electro-optical system is important as ISR (armed/unarmed) will be one of the main fields of usage for the naval UCAV. A low-cost UCAV that can loiter for 32 hours can provide advantages in landing or counter-piracy/smuggling operations by providing persistent ISR capabilities.
Bayraktar TB3’s next stages of testing include firing tests, takeoffs from a mock runway of TCG ANADOLU LHD, and finally, takeoff from the intended platform. The second prototype is likely to be used in said tests.
Bayraktar TB3 UCAV Flies with ASELFLIR-500
