During the 32-hour flight, TB3 covered a distance of 5700 km at an average altitude of 20,000 feet. The endurance demonstrated is above the average of most MALE class UCAVs, which ranges from 24 to 27 hours. TEI’s PD170 engine powered the system.
The endurance highlights TB3’s potential for surveillance as the situational awareness provided by the UCAVs can be helpful for the safety of TCG ANADOLU and escorting ships against small boats and airborne attacks.
With sensors such as sonobuoys and SAR, other threats (mines, submarines, etc.) can be detected early, giving more space to take measures in advance.
Another feat achieved during the test is the total flight distance. Unlike most of TB2, TB3 has SATCOM-based control capability, taking advantage of the total flight distance to a greater degree.
The long-range can allow reconnaissance and small-scale attacks away from threats such as coastal defence systems or maritime patrol aircraft posing threats against the leading platform. This is especially important for landing scenarios where having intelligence about the operation area contributes to more refined planning.
