In a significant milestone for Turkish aerospace, the third production prototype of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned combat aircraft, tail number TC-ÖZB3, has successfully completed its first flight. This breakthrough solidifies KIZILELMA’s status as Türkiye’s pioneering UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) and a key player in modern aerial warfare.
RIGOROUS TESTING PROPELS KIZILELMA FORWARD
The Bayraktar KIZILELMA PT-3 was transferred to the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ, in July. Ahead of its maiden flight, the aircraft underwent intensive ground tests, including engine run-up, automatic taxi, run, and lift-off tests, ensuring it was primed for takeoff.
Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman and CTO of Baykar, led the historic test flight, expressing optimism about the aircraft’s future: “The third prototype, which is the production prototype of Bayraktar KIZILELMA, successfully completed its first flight today. It was a short test flight, and our tests will continue. May it be beneficial and auspicious for our country and nation.”
ENHANCED PERFORMANCE AND ADVANCED CAPABILITIES
The development of Bayraktar KIZILELMA continues at an accelerated pace, integrating advanced features into the production prototype. Notable upgrades include structural reinforcements, an optimized avionics architecture, and an afterburner engine that pushes the aircraft close to the speed of sound. Enhanced aerodynamics and an AESA radar system improve situational awareness, allowing KIZILELMA to execute complex missions with precision and agility.
RECORD-BREAKING FLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS
Launched in 2021 and funded entirely by Baykar, the KIZILELMA project achieved its first flight in just over a year. After the prototype rolled off the production line on November 14, 2022, it completed ground tests and soared into the skies on December 14, 2022—a rapid timeline that underscores Baykar’s commitment to innovation.
The Bayraktar KIZILELMA made headlines during TEKNOFEST 2023, where it conducted formation flights with the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV, SOLOTÜRK F-16, and Turkish Stars F-5 jets over Istanbul. These remarkable displays of aerial prowess showcased the future of air combat.
TACTICAL ADVANTAGES: SHORT-RUNWAY OPERATIONS
Bayraktar KIZILELMA’s ability to operate from short-runway vessels, such as Türkiye’s TCG Anadolu, grants a strategic edge for overseas missions and enhances the defense of Türkiye’s maritime territories. This capability positions KIZILELMA as a game-changer in naval aviation, expanding its operational reach.
EXPORT POWERHOUSE: BAYKAR’S GLOBAL IMPACT
Baykar’s success is not just limited to technological advancements; it’s also an export powerhouse. The company, which funds all its projects internally, has generated 83% of its revenues from exports since launching its UAV R&D in 2003. In 2023 alone, Baykar achieved $1.8 billion in exports, ranking among Türkiye’s top 10 exporting companies across all sectors.
Recognized as the defense and aerospace export leader for three consecutive years, Baykar’s dominance is further highlighted by its staggering export agreements: deals have been signed with 33 countries for the Bayraktar TB2 UCAV and with 10 countries for the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV. As the world’s leading exporter of armed UAVs, Baykar continues to break records and set new standards in defense technology.
A NEW ERA IN UNMANNED COMBAT AVIATION
With the successful first flight of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA PT-3, Türkiye solidifies its place at the forefront of unmanned aerial warfare. As testing continues and further advancements are made, the KIZILELMA stands ready to redefine air combat with cutting-edge capabilities, positioning Türkiye as a global leader in defense innovation.
