The Turkish company Baykar has introduced a new modification of the Bayraktar TB2 with a turbofan engine and «advanced artificial intelligence systems» that provide resistance to electronic warfare and the ability to perform autonomous takeoff and landing.
The Turkish company Baykar has introduced a new modification of the Bayraktar TB2 with a turbofan engine and «advanced artificial intelligence systems» that provide resistance to electronic warfare and the ability to perform autonomous takeoff and landing.
«The next-generation Bayraktar TB2T-AI, currently undergoing successful flight tests in Keşan, will further strengthen its position as the world’s leading aircraft in its class by offering higher flight altitude, high-speed performance, and intelligent flight capabilities based on artificial intelligence», — the Turkish manufacturer reports on its website.
Baykar notes that the turbojet engine allows the Bayraktar TB2 to climb to an altitude of over 9 km in less than 30 minutes. This, along with a top speed of 300 km/h, gives the Turkish UAV an advantage over other drones. The turbojet engine also made it possible to increase the maximum take-off weight and payload of the drone.
«The Bayraktar TB2T-AI UCAV brings superior autonomous capabilities to air warfare with three integrated next-generation artificial intelligence computers. In addition, the new UAV has the ability to perform visual, terrain-based flights, ensuring operational stability even under electronic warfare threats», — Baykar said.
It is noted that the new Bayraktar can analyze targets for detection and identification, as well as perform fully autonomous take-off and landing, visually recognizing runways. In addition, thanks to dynamic route planning, TB2T-AI can independently determine the most optimal flight paths, which «increases its efficiency and adaptability in difficult operational conditions.» AI also makes it possible to automatically return the drone to base in the event of an emergency during the flight.
Baykar also boasted that the Bayraktar TB2 was the first UAV in the world to be able to perform a «barrel roll» — an evasive maneuver used by fighter jets.
«In addition to their key role in Turkey’s fight against terrorism, Bayraktar TB2 UAVs have proven their effectiveness in international operations, demonstrating excellent combat qualities. Deployed around the world, these locally produced aircraft have played a decisive role in the conflicts in Libya, Ukraine, Mali and Burkina Faso, as well as in the liberation of Karabakh, ending a thirty-year occupation», — the Turkish developers recalled.
Recall that in the summer, the «Return Alive» foundation reported on the successes of the Bayraktar TB2 complex, which the organization purchased a year ago. The foundation reported on the number of destroyed targets and reported that their «Bayraktars» are still operating on the front lines.
Previously, Baykar received licensing permits from the Turkish authorities to produce TB2 and Akıncı drones in Ukraine. It was noted that those manufactured at the Ukrainian Bayraktar plant will not only be used in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but will also be sent for export with the label «made in Ukraine».
Last fall, Baykar announced that it plans to complete construction of a plant in Ukraine in August 2025.
