Baykar’s AKINCI UCAV test-fired two KEMANKEŞ 2 turbojet-powered loitering munitions, marking the first air launch test for the follow-up to the KEMANKEŞ 1.
The revised KEMANKEŞ 2 was air launched for the first time with its test from AKINCI UCAV. Previous tests of KEMANKEŞ 2 involved trolley launch with a pickup truck and RATO. The test also shows two KEMANKEŞ 1 munitions under the neighbouring hardpoints.
It is also seen that the revised KEMANKEŞ 2 unveiled in IDEF2025 with a gimbal EO seeker in place of the fixed EO seeker was used in the test. Using a gimbal EO provides better flexibility in target tracking and a potential for use as a scout.
KEMANKEŞ 2, a larger follow-up to KEMANKEŞ 1, carries a 20 kg warhead, enabling it to engage more hardened targets. Aside from the larger warhead, the munition can reach a longer range of 150+ km when launched from surface (versus air-launched KEMANKEŞ 1’s 100+ km). However, the range figures might be different for air launch, considering the window for a gliding flight. Aside from the numbers, KEMANKEŞ 2 can be recovered by landing on its skids at low speeds thanks to the extremely low wing loading provided by large delta wings.
Compared to larger munitions of similar range for AKINCI UCAV, KEMANKEŞ 2 can be taken as a low-cost alternative that trades off warhead size and speed. Additionally, the placement seen in the test suggests that up to six KEMANKEŞ 2 loitering munitions can be carried per AKINCI UCAV.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
