In 2023, ANKA III successfully completed its first engine start and made its maiden flight on December 28. This fully autonomous flight lasted over one hour. During the flight, all control systems were tested successfully, and the aircraft executed an automatic landing.
ANKA III, which is rapidly progressing through its testing phase, has begun armed flight tests as an Air-to-Ground Mission Aircraft. In its 12th sortie, it achieved a direct hit using the TEBER-82 Guidance Kit. In the second test, it successfully carried out another strike using the TOLUN munition.
With its flying wing configuration that ensures low radar visibility, the high speed enabled by its turbofan engine, and its large internal payload capacity, ANKA III stands out with a significant technological edge. The second prototype has also begun test flights.
Weighing approximately 7 tons at takeoff, ANKA III is capable of operating at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet, reaching speeds of 0.7 Mach, and staying airborne for up to 10 hours.
Developed in a short time from concept to first flight through the efforts of nearly 250 engineers and technicians, this project incorporates AI-supported modeling, simulation technologies, and advanced flight control systems.
Built upon the engineering knowledge and 250,000 flight hours gained from the ANKA and AKSUNGUR programs, ANKA III will become a key member of Turkish Aerospace Industries’ unmanned aerial systems family, fully meeting operational needs through integration with existing ground systems.
The Technical Features of the Next-Generation UAV Dazzle!
The next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle, ANKA III, plays a crucial role in air defense and reconnaissance missions with its advanced technical capabilities and high-performance metrics. Featuring an aerodynamic design, powerful turbofan engine, long endurance, and the ability to operate at high altitudes, ANKA III is also equipped with high payload capacity, low radar cross-section, and AI-assisted systems to meet the complex demands of modern battlefields. Designed for both reconnaissance and strike missions, this platform showcases the engineering prowess of the Turkish defense industry on the field.
Dimensions and Weight
- Length: 7.9 meters
- Wingspan: 12.5 meters
- Height: 2.5 meters
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 6,500 kg
- Payload Capacity: 1,200 kg
Performance
- Propulsion System: Turbofan engine
- Service Ceiling: 40,000 feet
- Endurance: 10 hours at 30,000 feet
- Maximum Speed: 425 knots / 0.7 Mach at 30,000 feet
- Cruise Speed: 250 knots / 0.42 Mach at 30,000 feet
Features
- Shared avionics architecture and ground systems with ANKA and AKSUNGUR
- Low radar signature
- High subsonic speed capability
- Large payload capacity
- 2 internal and 5 external payload stations
- Internal and external fuel tanks
- Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
- AI-supported swarm technology
Payloads
Reconnaissance and Surveillance
- EO/IR Camera
- SAR/GMTI-ISAR Radar
Electronic Warfare
- COMINT, ELINT, ESM (Electronic Support), EA (Electronic Attack)
- ComJam (Communication Jamming)
Munitions
- Precision-guided bombs
- Laser-guided rockets
- Anti-tank missiles
Operational Support
- Satellite communication
- Radio relay
- Air-dropped long-range UAV
- AIS (Automatic Identification System)
- PLS (Personnel Location System)
- ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter)
- RVT (Remote Video Terminal)
- TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System)
