Bayraktar TB3: Turkish Drone Breaks Altitude Record with Indigenous Engine

In a remarkable feat for Turkish aviation, the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has reportedly broken the altitude record, reaching an impressive 33,000 feet during its 34th and 35th flight tests. Developed by Baykar, a leading Turkish defense company, the TB3 is powered by a domestically produced PD-170 engine, showcasing Türkiye’s advancements in Drone Technology.

Successful Testing and Record-Breaking Achievements

The Bayraktar TB3 has undergone extensive testing at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ province. Since its inaugural flight on October 27, 2023, commemorating the Turkish Republic’s 100th anniversary, the TB3 has completed medium and high-altitude performance tests. The recent test flight, utilizing the indigenous PD-170 engine developed by TUSAŞ Engine Industries Inc. (TEI), propelled the TB3 to a record-breaking altitude, marking a significant milestone in Turkish aviation history.

To date, the Bayraktar TB3 has logged an impressive 327 hours and 35 minutes in test flights, including a remarkable 32-hour continuous flight covering 3,541 miles on December 20, 2023. On March 26, 2024, the TB3 achieved another milestone by successfully integrating the domestically developed ASELFLIR-500 system, known for its superior global performance.

Game-Changing Capabilities

The Bayraktar TB3 boasts foldable wings, making it the first armed UCAV capable of operating from short-runway ships like the TCG Anadolu, the flagship of the Turkish Navy. This feature, combined with its beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication capability, positions the TB3 as a game-changer in reconnaissance, intelligence, and attack missions, significantly enhancing Türkiye’s deterrent capabilities.

Selçuk Bayraktar, Baykar’s Chairperson and CTO, has announced plans to test the Bayraktar TB3 aboard TCG Anadolu in 2024, further demonstrating the drone’s versatility and potential for naval operations.

Baykar’s Global Success

Baykar, a largely self-funded company, has become a global leader in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. Relying on exports for 83% of its revenue since 2003, Baykar has been named the defense and aviation sector’s export champion by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SBB) in 2023. The company’s exports totaled $1.8 billion last year, accounting for over 90% of its income and one-third of the sector’s total exports.

As the world’s largest UAV exporter, Baykar has fulfilled 97.5% of its contracts through exports, with agreements signed with 34 Countries. The Bayraktar TB2 UAV has been exported to 33 countries, while the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV has been sold to nine countries so far.

The Bayraktar TB3’s record-breaking altitude achievement, powered by a domestically produced engine, underscores Türkiye’s advancements in drone technology and its growing influence in the global UAV market. With its game-changing capabilities and versatility, the TB3 is poised to enhance Türkiye’s deterrent capabilities and solidify Baykar’s position as a leading defense and aviation company. As the company continues to innovate and expand its global reach, the Bayraktar TB3 stands as a testament to Türkiye’s commitment to developing cutting-edge, indigenous defense technologies.