Baykar Bayraktar TB3

Baykar Bayraktar TB3 History

The Bayraktar TB3 is an advanced iteration of the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft, developed by Turkey to bolster its drone capabilities. As part of the growing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) field, the TB series represents Turkey's commitment to domestic technological expansion. Following the TB2's success, particularly in conflicts like the Nagorno-Karabakh war and the Ukrainian crisis, the TB3 carries forward these achievements with enhanced features.

Scheduled for its inaugural flight in 2022 and expected to enter Turkish Armed Forces service by 2023, the TB3 retains the Medium-Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) classification of its predecessor. With a larger structure that allows greater internal capacity, the TB3 features straight wings with additional extensions, and its main wings can fold for improved storage. The drone maintains the twin-arm tail design, retractable landing gear, and an optic compartment for clear all-around visibility.

Powered by a single TEI PD170 engine, the TB3 boasts advanced technology including imaging systems, infrared sensors, radar, and target detection capabilities. Performance-wise, it reaches a top speed of 185 mph, a cruising speed of approximately 145 mph, and can operate at altitudes exceeding 25,000 feet for over 24 hours. Armed with six underwing hardpoints for various precision-guided munitions, the TB3 offers enhanced tactical flexibility compared to the TB2. Overall, the Bayraktar TB3 represents Turkey's commitment to a larger, more powerful, and technologically advanced drone, suited for diverse mission profiles.

Specification

Base

Year of Service: 2023

Origins: Turkey

Status: Under development. Program is running.

Crew: 0

Production: 1+

Manufacturer: Kale-Baykar Makina - Turkey

Carrier: Turkey, Ukraine (possibly)

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Disable support (CAS)

Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Nautical/navy

Water mobility capability for a variety of land-based or ship-based maritime missions, supported by Allied Naval Surface Forces.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Unmanned

Aircraft designed (or later developed) have inherent unmanned capabilities and can fill a variety of battlefield roles.

Notable Features

Radar Capability

Houses may house (via specialized variants) radars for searching, tracking, and attacking enemy elements.

Fader support

The design features a rearward push rod arrangement in contrast to the more traditional pull rod arrangement.

Folding wings

The main aircraft is designed to be foldable, increasing storage capacity on land and at sea.

Sturdy aircraft frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

High-speed performance

Can accelerate to higher speeds than the average aircraft at the time.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Super performance

The design covers the three key performance categories of speed, altitude and range.

Seaport

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Scalable

Has retractable/retractable landing gear to maintain aerodynamic efficiency.

Unmanned operation

The design features the ability to fly without a pilot, with actions controlled by onboard programming and/or ground operators.

Autonomous operation

The design features autonomous flight operations through artificial intelligence or onboard pre-programming.

Camera equipment

Payload supports photographic devices that provide still and/or live image/video results.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 27. 4 feet (8.35m)

Width/span: 45.9 feet (14.00m)

Height: 8.5 feet (2.60m)

Cured weight: 2,579 lbs (1,170 kg)

MTOW: 3,197 lbs (1,450 kg)

Wgt Difference: +617 lbs (+280kg)

MAINPLANE STRUCTURE

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Central Install

The main aircraft is mounted below the center on the sides of the fuselage.

Straight

Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance and Power

Installed: 1 x TEI PD170 engine drives a two-bladed propeller unit with thrust arrangement aft of the fuselage.

Maximum speed: 186 km/h (300 km/h | 162 kn)

Cruising speed: 146 km/h (235 km/h | 127 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +40 km/h (+65 km/h | 35 kn)

Maximum: 31,168 feet (9,500 m | 6 km)

Area: 124 km (200 km | 370 nautical miles)

Armor

Multiple types are supported, including Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs), Smart Bombs, Laser-Guided Missiles, Infantry Mortars, and more.