The Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), developed by Baykar, successfully completed its 10th test flight with the PT-3 prototype. As part of this flight, the Medium Altitude System Identification and Performance Test was completed, bringing the TB3’s total flight time to 909 hours.
Bayraktar TB3 PT-3 Reaches 909 Flight Hours!
The Bayraktar TB3 stands out as the first Turkish UCAV capable of taking off and landing on ships, thanks to its foldable wing design. It surpasses the TB2 in terms of size, capability, and speed, and with its 170-horsepower turbo diesel engine, it can stay airborne for over 21 hours.
The TB3 can reach a service ceiling of 25,000 feet and operate at an altitude of 20,000 feet, with a cruising speed of 110-130 KTAS. This advanced UAV is capable of autonomous takeoff, landing, and taxiing and has been designed to serve in both land and naval variants.
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The Bayraktar TB3 has a payload capacity of up to 280 kg and can be equipped with laser-guided, INS/GPS-guided, IR-guided, and air-to-air munitions. Additionally, it can carry various ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) payloads, including EO/IR/LD systems, AESA radar, ELINT, and Sonobuoy.
Measuring 8.35 meters in length, 2.6 meters in height, and 14 meters in wingspan, the TB3 is particularly notable for its foldable wing structure, which was developed specifically for naval platforms. With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,600 kg, the TB3 is expected to offer high operational efficiency in both land-based and naval operations. With this latest test flight, the UAV has reached a critical stage in its development and is expected to begin takeoff and landing tests on aircraft carriers soon.
Bayraktar TB3 Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 feet |
| Communication | LOS & BLOS |
| Operational Altitude | 20,000 feet |
| Endurance | 21+ hours |
| Power System | 170 hp Turbo Diesel Engine |
| Takeoff/Landing/Taxiing | Autonomous |
| Cruise – Max Speed | 110-130 KTAS |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 1,600 kg (Naval variant may differ) |
| Payload Capacity | 280 kg |
| Variants | Land and Naval |
| Payload – Munitions | 6 Laser-Guided, INS/GPS-Guided, IR-Guided, and Air-to-Air Munitions |
| Payload – ISR | Interchangeable EO/IR/LD, Multi-Purpose AESA Radar, ELINT, Sonobuoy |
| Length | 8.35 m |
| Height | 2.6 m |
| Wingspan | 14 m |
The Bayraktar TB3 continues to undergo rigorous testing and is expected to play a key role in naval operations, further enhancing Turkey’s drone warfare capabilities.
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