Turkey debuts prototype TB3 UAV

The TB3 UAV was showcased publicly for the first time at Teknofest 2023 in Istanbul. (Diego Cupolo/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

A prototype of the Baykar Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to be used onboard the amphibious docked landing ship TCG Anadolu was displayed to the public for the first time at the Teknofest aviation, aerospace, and technology festival, held from 27 April to 1 May.

Development of the TB3, a modified version of the Bayraktar TB2, was announced in 2021. The new UAV is larger and heavier than the TB2 and can carry a heavier payload. The TB3 has two more hardpoints than the TB2, with Baykar saying the six pylons can carry precision-guided munitions of the MAM family, as well as Cirit laser-guided 70 mm rockets.

The TB3 has a length of 8.35 m, a height of 2.6 m, a wingspan of 14 m, a maximum take-off weight of 1,450 kg, and can carry a payload of 280 kg. The maximum speed is 150 kt and the cruise speed is 125 kt. The maximum altitude is 30,000 ft, while its maximum mission radius is 2,200 km at 20,000 feet.