Bayraktar Akinci has emerged as the world's best heavy combat drone!

Actually, 'Baykar' has recently tested a ballistic supersonic missile with a range exceeding 150 kilometers, launched from its Bayraktar AKINCI B/C Combat Drone (UCAV). The test involved the TRG/IHA-230 air-to-surface ballistic supersonic missile, which successfully struck a target at a distance of 155 kilometers with remarkable precision, heralding a new era in drone warfare. 

It is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for extended air combat missions. It can carry and deploy air-launched stand-off cruise missiles (SOM) as well as air-to-surface ballistic missiles. Turkey has already indicated that it may also be utilized to launch lightweight cruise missiles that could potentially carry nuclear warheads capable of cruise missiles.

The Akinci-B series combat drone measures 12.5 meters in length, has a wingspan of 20 meters, and a height of 4.1 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is 5,500 kg. This drone is powered by two 750-horsepower AI-450 turboprop engines, manufactured by the Ukrainian companies Motor Sich and Ivchenko-Progress. In contrast, the latest upgraded version, the Akinci-C series combat drone, is equipped with two more powerful 850-horsepower turboprop engines.

It can fly at a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet (service ceiling) above ground level. Its maximum speed is 361.14 kilometers per hour, with a cruising speed of 280 kilometers per hour. Its tested operational range is 7,500 kilometers. It is capable of conducting combat missions continuously in the air for up to 24 or 25 hours on a single refueling. 

As an advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), the Bayraktar Akinci is equipped with indigenous avionic technologies, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an electronic warfare support pod, a targeting sighting system, a data-link system, and a satellite communication system. Additionally, it features a common aperture targeting system and an electronic warfare system.

The Bayraktar Akinci combat drone has the capacity to carry a total of 1,350 kg of munitions, including both guided and unguided missiles, as well as bombs, distributed on its six to eight hardpoints. It is equipped with anti-ship missiles for special maritime combat missions. Furthermore, its ability to deploy cruise missiles and engage enemy warplanes and helicopters using air-to-air missiles has established this Turkish combat drone as one of the leading combat drones in the world.

Sherazur Rahman, Teacher and Writer, Singra, Natore, Bangladesh. sherazbd@gmail.com