Baykar Bayraktar TB2
Summary
| Category | Drone |
| Origin country | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| First flight | 1 August 2014 |
| Year of introduction | 2014 |
| Number produced | 500 units |
Description
The Bayraktar TB2 is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Turkey's Baykar company. It has gained significant attention in recent years due to its operational success in various conflict zones, marking Turkey's capabilities in indigenous drone manufacturing.
The conception of the Bayraktar TB2 stemmed from Turkey's desire to have an indigenous tactical drone capability. Work on the TB2 began in the early 2010s, aiming to produce a reliable UCAV that could be used for both ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) and combat strike missions. Its development was part of Turkey's broader efforts to reduce reliance on foreign arms suppliers and to foster domestic defense industries.
The UCAV employs a monocoque design made of carbon fiber and other advanced composite materials. It's powered by a single internal combustion engine, driving a pusher propeller. The aircraft's ISR capabilities are facilitated through a variety of sensors, including electro-optical and infrared cameras, laser rangefinders, and designators. For combat missions, the Bayraktar TB2 can be equipped with laser-guided missiles and smart munitions.
In terms of operational history, the Bayraktar TB2 has been used extensively by Turkey in various theaters:
- Syria: Turkey deployed the TB2 in its operations in northern Syria against various militant groups and in confrontations with Syrian government forces. The UCAV played a role in ISR and targeted strikes.
- Libya: The TB2 was used in the Libyan civil war, supporting the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) against the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar. It was credited with targeting and neutralizing several advanced air defense systems, armored vehicles, and other assets.
- Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Azerbaijan used the Bayraktar TB2 in the 2020 conflict against Armenian forces. The UCAV was notable for its effectiveness in targeting and destroying a range of armored vehicles, including tanks and air defense systems.
- Domestic Operations: Within Turkey, the TB2 has been used for border surveillance and in operations against the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party).
The Bayraktar TB2 stands out as a testament to Turkey's capabilities in drone technology. Its operational success in various theaters underscores the evolving nature of warfare, where unmanned systems play increasingly critical roles.
Technical specifications
| Version: Bayraktar TB2 | |
|---|---|
| Operational range | 150 km (93 mi) |
| Endurance | 24 hours |
| Maximum speed | 222 km/h (138 mph) |
| Wingspan | 12 m (39.4 ft) |
| Length | 6.5 m (21.3 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 8239 m (27031 ft) |
| Empty weight | 650 kg (1433 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1200 kg (2646 lbs) |
| Powerplant | ROTAX 912 internal combustion engine |
All operators
United Arab Emirates • Azerbaijan • Burkina Faso • Djibouti • Ethiopia • Kyrgyzstan • Libya • Morocco • Mali • Niger • Nigeria • Pakistan • Poland • Qatar • Rwanda • Somalia • Togo • Turkmenistan • Tunisia • Turkey • Ukraine
Photo of Bayraktar TB2
