Turkish Aerospace’s twin-engine Aksungur UCAV conducted two laser-guided bomb tests using TEI’s PD-170 national engine and precision kits developed by ASELSAN.

Turkish Aerospace’s (TUSAŞ) Aksungur UCAV has successfully performed a firing test using the LGK-81 and LGK-82 precision guidance kits developed by ASELSAN. The test marks another milestone in the integration of indigenously developed systems within Turkiye’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ecosystem.

PD-170 engine powers the test flight

The test was conducted with the TEI-manufactured PD-170 turbodiesel engine, which is designed for high-altitude and long-endurance UAV operations. As TUSAŞ CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu shared on social media, Aksungur’s performance with the new engine configuration enabled the delivery of both munitions under operationally relevant conditions.

LGK kits convert dumb bombs into precision weapons
The LGK-81 and LGK-82 are part of ASELSAN’s Laser Guidance Kit (LGK) family. The LGK-81 converts a 250 lb. MK-81 general-purpose bomb into a low-cost precision-guided munition, while the LGK-82 is used with the 500 lb. MK-82 bomb. These kits provide enhanced accuracy, extended delivery range, and reduced collateral damage. In addition, they offer the ability to retarget after release, improving operational flexibility against both stationary and moving targets.

Strengthened national ecosystem
The effective integration of TEI’s PD-170 engine, ASELSAN’s guidance kits, and TUSAŞ’s UCAV platform highlights the growing synergy inside Turkiye’s defence sector. The test also fits Turkiye’s continuous work to lower reliance on foreign systems and enhance its indigenous capacities in autonomous air warfare.

TUSAŞ has recently tested the LGK-82 with ANKA III just last month.

Author: Özgür Ekşi