TAI Aksungur

The TAI Aksungur is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Previously designated as the Anka-2, the aircraft utilizes control systems from the TAI Anka series but features a new airframe, wing, and landing gear design. Development of the UAV took 18 months, with the first of two prototypes conducting its maiden flight on 20 March 2019. The aircraft was introduced at the 2019 International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) and entered service with the Turkish Naval Forces on 20 October 2021. As of March 2023, 12 units have been manufactured.

The aircraft utilizes a twin-boom configuration with high-mounted wings spanning 24.2 meters. The wings feature a slight dihedral angle and are fitted with winglets. A centralized fuselage houses avionics, camera, and sensor systems, including a chin-mounted camera blister. Propulsion is provided by two TEI-PD170 dual-turbocharged diesel engines, each producing between 130 and 160 kW, driving three-bladed propellers in a tractor configuration. The Aksungur has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,300 kg and a maximum payload capacity of 750 kg. Performance specifications include a service ceiling of 40,000 feet and a maximum endurance of 60 hours. Control is maintained via DO-178B compatible software and DO-254 hardware through encrypted digital data links, with optional satellite communications for beyond-visual-range operations.

Armament is carried on six underwing hardpoints with individual load ratings of 150 kg, 300 kg, and 500 kg. The aircraft is cleared to carry MAM-L, MAM-C, LUMTAS, and Cirit munitions. Guided bomb options include the TEBER-81 (Mk-81), TEBER-82 (Mk-82), HGK-3 precision-guided munitions, and KGK (82) winged guided kits. For maritime patrol missions, the aircraft can be equipped with sonar buoys and has provisions for anti-submarine warfare rockets and torpedoes.

The primary operators are the Turkish Naval Forces and the Turkish Air Force. In October 2022, the Turkish Navy utilized the Aksungur to deploy sonobuoys in the Aegean Sea for submarine detection. Export deliveries have been made to Kyrgyzstan and Chad, while Algeria, Angola, and Uzbekistan have placed orders for the system. Operational losses include a crash in North Iraq in November 2023, an aircraft shot down in the Qandil Mountains in May 2024, and another downed by an Iraqi Pantsir air defense system near Kirkuk in August 2024.

Missiles payload:

• Air-to-Surface CIRIT
• Anti-Tank LUMTAS

Bombs payload:

• Guided Bomb MAM-L
• Guided Bomb MAM-C
• Guided Bomb TEBER-81
• Guided Bomb TEBER-82
• Guided Bomb HGK-3
• Guided Bomb KGK (82)
• Rocket Pod ROKETSAN DSH