Turkey’s Pride Bayraktar Kızılelma: Successfully Passes Another Test

Kızılelma’s Testing Process Progresses as Planned

During the flight test held at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ, various system identification activities of the Bayraktar Kızılelma PT-3 with the tail number TC-ÖZB3 were successfully completed. The development phase of Turkey’s national unmanned fighter jet is proceeding in line with the planned schedule.

Innovations and Technological Improvements

Structural and avionics improvements were made to the production prototype, benefiting from experiences gained from earlier models. Bayraktar Kızılelma demonstrated significant performance during its test flight with the afterburning engine option that has now been integrated. This new engine enhances the aircraft’s capability to approach supersonic speeds. Additionally, aerodynamic improvements provide the jet with better maneuverability at high speeds.

The AESA radar equipped on Bayraktar Kızılelma offers superior situational awareness, promising outstanding success even in the most complex missions.

Historic Flights: TEKNOFEST 2023 and Beyond

During TEKNOFEST 2023, Bayraktar Kızılelma conducted flights that left a significant mark in aviation history. Flying in formation with the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV, Kızılelma performed a fleet concept formation flight on May 1, 2023, alongside the F-16 fighter jet SOLOTÜRK and the F-5 jets of the Turkish Stars team.

Capability for Short Runway Operations

Bayraktar Kızılelma is being developed to perform takeoff and landing operations on short runway ships, such as TCG Anadolu. With this capability, Kızılelma will play a critical role in overseas missions, emerging as a strategic power in the protection of Turkey’s Blue Homeland.

Baykar’s Export Success

Baykar is implementing all its projects, including the Bayraktar Kızılelma project, entirely with its own resources. Since the beginning of its UAV R&D journey in 2003, the company has earned 83% of its revenues from exports. In 2023, Baykar achieved an export success of $1.8 billion. As the export leader in the defense and aviation industry, Baykar continues to generate 90% of its revenues from exports in 2024.

By signing export agreements with 35 countries for its Bayraktar TB2 UAV and Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV platforms, Baykar has become a globally trusted brand. This remarkable rise in Turkey’s defense industry serves as a significant source of national pride on the international stage.