Turkey's Anka-3 Drone Successfully Conducts In-Flight Weapons Test
Turkey's defense industry reached a significant milestone as the country's first flying-wing, deep-strike unmanned aerial vehicle, the Anka-3, accomplished its inaugural in-flight weapons trial using an internal weapons bay. The developer announced the successful test on Monday.
Anka-3's In-Flight Weapons Test
The Anka-3, armed with an internally mounted guided munition, soared into the skies to carry out the test firing at an altitude of 20,000 feet, maintaining a speed of around 350 kph (217.48 mph). Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) shared the exciting news on the social media platform X.
Internal Weapons Bay Integration
A video released by TAI showcased the moment when the Anka-3's internal weapon bay opened to release the TOLUN guided munition, a product of Aselsan, Turkey's prominent defense electronics company.
Enhanced Stealth Capabilities
The incorporation of an internal weapons bay represents a significant advancement aimed at reducing the aircraft's radar cross-section, rendering it less susceptible to detection by enemy radar systems.
Anka-3 Features and Capabilities
The Anka-3, part of TAI's Anka drone series, offers numerous advantages, including low radar visibility, high speed facilitated by its jet engine, and a considerable payload capacity.
Mission Capabilities
The Anka-3 is designed to undertake various missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence operations, equipped with air-ground munitions, air-to-air ammunition, and radar systems.
Advanced Design and Functionality
Featuring a unique design without horizontal or vertical tails, the Anka-3 can operate stealthily to avoid detection, while also possessing high-speed transfer capabilities for swift deployment to remote regions.
Performance and Specifications
Expected to reach a service altitude of up to 40,000 feet, the Anka-3 can sustain flights for up to 10 hours at 30,000 feet, with a maximum takeoff weight of 6,500 kilograms and a practical payload capacity of 1,200 kilograms.
