The third prototype for Turkey’s state-of-the-art unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) Akinci has completed its maiden flight, Selçuk Bayraktar, the chief technology officer (CTO) of Baykar, said on Twitter on March 27.

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Akinci is expected to enter the Turkish security forces’ inventory this year (Picture source: Baykar)

The Bayraktar Akinci is a high-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat air vehicle currently under development with Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar Makina.

Bayraktar Akinci Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle System has a 40,000 feet service ceiling and 4.5 tons of take-off weight. The aircraft platform will be equipped with two turboprop engines and critical payloads such as EO/IR camera, AESA radar, Beyond Line of Sight (satellite) communication and electronic support systems, enabling a longer endurance and advanced reconnaissance and attack capability. Longer and wider than its predecessor Bayraktar TB2, Akıncı has a wingspan of 20 meters with its unique bended design and will be able to fire multiple smart munitions.

With its proprietary artificial intelligence system, the system will be also much smarter and aware of its operating environment, offering improved flight and diagnostic functions.

Akinci is expected to enter the Turkish security forces’ inventory this year.

Akinci  (Picture source: Baykar)