Turkey's worldwide known drone magnate Baykar has brought to light the details about the latest armed drone project named the Bayraktar TB-3 that have the capacity to take off from LHD-class and short-runway ships.
"The Bayraktar TB-3, which is still in development, will be a larger and more capable model in the same family as the TB-2," Selçuk Bayraktar – the Baykar's chief technology officer -- said in his remarks on August 4 during a virtual event organized by the Gebze Technology University.
"When we started TB-3 project, no fixed-wing UAV could take off from LHD-class, short-runway ships. We believe that the TB-3, which can stay in the air for an extended period, will be able to stand in the breach in this field," Selçuk Bayraktar stressed in his comments.
Turkey has a plan to convert its landing helicopter dock Anadolu into a carrier ship for attack drones because the Turkish navy lost the ability to launch a fixed-wing aircraft from Anadolu after the United States removed Turkey from the F-35 project.
The TB-3 armed drones have been designed in accordance with standards to be able to ride aboard Turkey's other defence industry project "Landing Helicopter Dock Anadolu" that will come into service in 2022.
LHD Anadolu would deploy two types of fixed-wing unmanned air assets once trials were completed.
"The Anadolu ship doesn't need sophisticated launch and trap systems. A simple roller system and rescue nets would be enough for secure takeoff and landing, and it can even land without a rescue net," Baykar chief pointed out.
After the project is completed, at least ten armed drones could be used in operations simultaneously and integrated into a command-and-control center on the ship.
Anadolu will be capable to deploy between 30 and 50 Bayraktar TB3 portable-wing drones.
According to information released by defence industry officials, the roller system will be powered by an electric motor. During landing, the drone will be secured with nets. Because the propellers are located at the back of the platform, no moving parts would be damaged during this process, the thinking goes.
The new armed drone will have a takeoff weight of 1450 kilograms and will be able to fly 24 hours a day, according to the infographics prepared by the Baykar Company.
The TB-3 will be able to fly at high altitudes, and its wings will fold when on the ship. Turkey's locally-made TB3 drones have been expected to gain their places in the skies for the first time in 2022.
"MIUS -- an unmanned combat aircraft which is expected to take its place in the skies in 2023 -- will be able to operate alongside the TB-3 armed drones on the LHD Anadolu," Bayraktar announced as concluded his speech.
