Recently, while Baykar has been more prominently mentioned for new tests on the TB-3 platform and developments related to AKINCI, work on KIZILELMA continues at full speed in the background.
During a visit by a delegation led by the Saudi Arabian defense minister to the Baykar facilities, an interesting detail about KIZILELMA was noticed.
At the end of the inter-delegation meeting, a group photo was taken as usual. In this photo, the KIZILELMA standing in the background was noticeably different from the KIZILELMA we have seen so far.
What has changed in KIZILELMA?
These noticeable differences at first glance are significant as they indicate that some expected developments for KIZILELMA are rapidly progressing in the background.
For example, a notable detail in the new prototype of KIZILELMA is that the landing gear has been enlarged and folds backward. One of the biggest expectations for the platform is its ability to take off and land on TCG Anadolu. It seems that although Baykar engineers appear to be focused on ramp tests for the TB-3, they are also continuing improvements for KIZILELMA.
In addition to aerodynamic changes, differences are also noticeable on the surface of KIZILELMA. The previously more prominent vertical stabilizers have been simplified in the new version. This likely aims to reduce the cross-sectional area and consequently make it less visible on radar.
Moreover, it appears that some subsystems at the rear of the aircraft have been incorporated into the body.
Changes made to the front for radar:
The change in the nose of KIZILELMA is also easily noticeable to the naked eye. The expectation here is the integration of the AESA radar into KIZILELMA.
As remembered, the domestically developed AESA Nose Radar by ASELSAN was recently integrated into the modernized F-16 Block 30 fighter jet.
The AESA radar will be used in air platforms such as KIZILELMA, KAAN, HÜRJET, ANKA III, AKINCI, and F-16, marking a new era for Türkiye in airspace.
Air intakes also expanded:
Another striking feature in the new prototype of KIZILELMA is that the air intakes on both sides of the engine section have been expanded.
We know that this platform currently flies with an engine from Ukraine. However, in the new period, the integration of an engine developed with domestic capabilities is among the probable targets. The possibility of the change being related to the new engine is not low at all.
