ANKA-3, an unmanned combat aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), has successfully completed its first flight with munitions.
In a statement, TAI said: “ANKA-III has made its first flight with munitions! Our defence industry is rapidly moving into the future with the power of our domestic and national technology”.
Last week, ANKA-3 passed another critical stage by closing its landing gear in the air.
Operationally, the ANKA-3 has a serious carrying capacity; it can reach an altitude of 44,000 feet at high speed and can operate at 40,000 feet. It has an overall length of 9.5 metres and a wingspan of 12.5 metres. It has an endurance of 10 hours, a cruising speed of 250 knots and a maximum cruising speed of 425 knots.
ANKA-3 will have a total of seven weapon stations, one under the fuselage, two internal and two under the wing. The internal weapon station can carry one Mark 83 class weapon or, depending on its volume, a larger number of smaller munitions. The first large stations under the wing can carry SOM-J and Mark 83 class weapons. The stations outside the wing can carry relatively small weapons. ANKA-3 can therefore carry a wide range of weapons.
The 265-kilogram Mk-82 bomb can be converted into a laser-guided missile using the GÖZDE kit developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE and ASELSAN. This conversion significantly increases the munition’s precision strike capability.
An Mk-82 bomb launched from ANKA-3 at an altitude of 40,000 feet can hit a target approximately 30 kilometres away with the GÖZDE laser guidance kit. Such munitions are generally expected to hit the target with a CEP of 3 metres. This shows that the ammunition is very sensitive.
ANKA-3 has a ‘flying wing’ design with no tail. This design significantly reduces the radar cross section (RCS) due to the absence of horizontal and vertical fins, which increase the radar signature of conventional aircraft.
Part of the aircraft’s armament is located in internal compartments. This further reduces the radar signature by preventing ammunition from protruding outwards. Although carrying external weapons can increase the radar signature, the aim is to integrate these munitions in such a way as to minimise the radar signature.
The use of radar-absorbing materials (RAM) on the ANKA-3 also plays a critical role in reducing radar visibility. Such materials reduce the reflection of radar waves, making it more difficult to detect the aircraft.
