Baykar Bayraktar Akinci (Raider)

History

Over the past decade, Turkey has made significant strides in the military use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly with the TAI "Anka" series. The country's focus has now shifted to developing a combat-capable UAV (UCAV) for precise munition delivery over long distances and high altitudes, with the Baykar Makina "Akinci" introduced in 2018 fulfilling this role.

The "Akinci" features a twin-turboprop propulsion system with five-bladed propellers for fuel efficiency. It has a vertical tail, optics, and avionics in the front fuselage, and each wing has three hardpoints for mounting weapons. The drone is capable of carrying up to 900kg externally and an additional 450kg internally, with a wingspan of 18-20 meters.

Performance specifications include a service ceiling of up to 40,000 feet and a battery life of 24 hours. The maiden flight was targeted for 2020, with deliveries planned for 2021.

The "Akinci" has a 5.5+ ton maximum takeoff weight, equipped with two turboprop engines and advanced avionics, radar, and communication systems. It successfully entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces in August 2021.

In terms of operational history, the "Akinci" has been involved in various missions, including anti-PKK operations in Northern Iraq and providing support in the aftermath of the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake. It has also been used in an attack on the Wagner Group-operated El-Hadim Airbase.

The drone is equipped with an indigenously manufactured active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, surveillance systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and satellite communication.

The timeline of the "Akinci" development includes milestones such as its maiden flight in December 2019, successful firing tests in April 2021, and its official inclusion in the Turkish armed forces in August 2021.

As of October 2022, the "Akinci" has been sold to four countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, Libya, and Azerbaijan. Current operators include the Turkish Land Forces, Turkish Air Force, and the MIT Presidency in Turkey, with additional future operators in Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan, and Saudi Arabia.

Specification

Basics

Years of Service: 2019

Origins: Turkey

Status: Program is running.

Crew: 0

Production: 23+

Manufacturer: Kale-Baykar Makina - Turkey

Operator: Turkey, Pakistan, Libya, and Azerbaijan

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.

Unmanned

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

Dimensions and Weights

Width/Span: 65.6 feet (20.00m)

Cured weight: 9,921 lbs (4,500 kg)

MTOW: 14,330 lbs (6,500 kg)

Wgt Difference: +4,409 lbs (+2,000 kg)

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

Installed: 2 x TEI PD170 turboprops, 550 hp, driving five-bladed propellers in a tractor/tractor arrangement.

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

Maximum: 40,026 feet (12,200 m | 8 km)

Area: 7,146 km (11,500 km | 21,298nm)

ARMOR

Internal mission payload up to 450kg and external weapon payload up to 900-950kg.

2 x underwing anti-tank missiles (ATGM) and 4 x Mk 82 series conventionally delivered and laser/precision guided bombs.