Baykar released the first images of their brand-new, supersonic Bayraktar Kizilelma drone prototype
The second prototype “Bayraktar Kizilelma” drone’s first photographs have been released by the Turkish Company Baykar.
2013 saw the beginning of the initial conceptual studies for Bayraktar MIUS. The project’s most significant development occurred on July 20, 2021. On this day, the general public received the first design renderings and details regarding the aircraft’s specifications.
At the SahaExpo event on November 11, 2021, a supply agreement for AI-322F turbofan engines and an integration agreement for AI-25TLT turbofan engines were signed between Baykar and Ukrainian Ivchenko-Progress. The next prototypes were anticipated to be supersonic with AI-322F engines, whereas the initial prototypes were to feature AI-25TLT engines to travel at subsonic speeds.
What we know so far
The second supersonic unmanned aerial vehicle prototype is now set up for ground tests, which are anticipated to begin in 2023. It is to be noted that the strike drone was unveiled in August 2021.
Tech and specs
The Kzlelma is an unmanned aircraft with an AESA radar and a low-RCS supersonic airframe. Two air inlets supply the turbofan engine, which powers the aircraft. Two vertical stabilisers are used to control the yaw. The aircraft incorporates coupled-canard controls for improved main wing airflow control or greater manoeuvrability. Internal compartments will maintain the aircraft’s low observability while enabling operation in contested locations.
It has a 6,000-kilogramme maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), 1,500 kg of which are usable for cargo. Data provided by the company indicates that the Kzlelma will operate at a height of 35,000 feet (10,000 m).
The aircraft’s design eliminates the requirement for a catapult mechanism, enabling it to launch from and land on an amphibious assault ship like TCG Anadolu.
Specs
| Capacity | 1500 kg |
| Length | 14.7 m |
| MTOW | 6000 kg |
| Powerplant | 1 × Ivchenko-Progress AI-25TLT Turbofan engine, 24.5 kN (5,510 lbf) thrust dry, 44.1 kN (9,900 lbf) with afterburner |
| Maximum Speed | 1,100 km/h |
| Combat Range | 930 km |
| Endurance | 5-6 hours |
| Service ceiling | 14,000 m |
In terms of technical specs, Bayraktar Kizilelma is comparable to the American strike drone MQ-9 Reaper and is intended to take down enemy air defences, launch missiles, and support fire.
Three different variants of Kizilelma have been planned with different engine configurations.
Kizilelma-A will be propelled by an AI-25TLT engine and be able to reach nearly supersonic speeds. Kizilelma-B will use a Ukrainian AI-322F engine to travel at supersonic speeds. Finally, Kizilelma-C will use two AI-322F engines.
According to Baykar CTO Selçuk Bayraktar, the Kzlelma is anticipated to launch in 2023.
SOURCE(s)
COVER: Gagadget.com
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