Anka 3 UAV advances to next trial phase

TURKIYE’S indigenously developed Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) Anka 3 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has moved on to the next phase in its trials following a successful live-firing test this past week.

In a TUSAS social media post, footage of ordnance launched from the Anka 3 successfully striking the target was shown. The test was conducted in collaboration with Aselsan and Roketsan, who manufactures the Aselflir 500 electro-optic camera system and TEBER-82 guidance kit respectively, making it a major milestone for the nation’s defence industry.

The post added, “it hit the target from the 12th point in the 12th sortie! Anka-3, the hero of the sky, crowned its first shot with victory! Our unmanned combat aircraft Anka-3, a marvel of national engineering and the pride of the Turkish defense industry, has successfully completed its first firing test”.

Powered by a turbofan engine, the flying wing-Anka 3 is expected to reach an operational altitude of 40,000 feet and remain airborne for up to 10 hours. It can also carry a maximum 650-kilogramme ordnance payload.

Earlier this month, the Anka 3 completed its first flight with ordnance and retracted its landing gear in mid-air last month.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:TUSAS)