TAI Announced the Updated Technical Specifications of ANKA-3

TAI Shared the Updated Technical Specifications for the Mass Production Configuration of the ANKA-3 Combat Unmanned Aircraft System.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) shared the updated technical data regarding the serial production configuration of the ANKA-3 Combat Unmanned Aircraft System with the public. The new information highlights the platform's payload capacity, mission radius, dimensions and mission systems.

ANKA-3 was developed with the aim of flying wing design and low radar visibility; It is designed for different usage areas such as air-ground attack, air-air missions, electronic warfare and manned-unmanned platforms operating together.

ANKA-3's Payload Capacity Increased to 1,700 Kilograms

According to the updated technical information shared, ANKA-3 is configured to have a maximum takeoff weight of 7,250 kilograms and a maximum payload capacity of 1,700 kilograms.

The basic dimensions of the platform were explained as follows:

Length: 8.9 meters

Wingspan: 13.1 meters

Height: 2.5 meters

Maximum takeoff weight: 7,250 kilograms

Maximum payload capacity: 1,700 kilograms

Maximum speed: 0.7 Mach

Service ceiling: 40,000 feet

ANKA-3 has two internal and two external stations for transporting ammunition and other mission loads. Internal stations are important in supporting the low radar visibility target by allowing ammunition to be carried inside the hull.

The increase in payload capacity aims to increase the flexibility of the platform to carry different ammunition and mission equipment.

1,075 Kilometer Mission Radius in Air-Air Missions

In the technical data shared by TAI, ANKA-3's mission radius varies depending on its mission configuration.

Air-to-air missions: 1,075 kilometers

Air-ground missions: 750 kilometers

These values refer to the mission radii declared for the relevant mission configurations of the platform; It should not be directly considered as the maximum flight range.

The aim of ANKA-3 to be used in air-air missions shows that the platform will not be limited to attack missions against land targets. Integration of air-air munitions and the development of different mission profiles aim to expand the field of use of unmanned combat aircraft.

AESA Radar, IRST and EOTS Systems Will Support Mission Capabilities

In the updated technical information, the prominent mission systems for ANKA-3 include AESA radar, Infrared Search and Tracking System (IRST) and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS).

These systems have different functions:

AESA radar: Provides radar capabilities for detecting and tracking air and ground targets.

IRST: Provides passive detection and tracking by detecting infrared traces of targets.

EOTS: Supports target detection, identification and targeting missions via electro-optical and infrared sensors.

By adding these sensors to the platform, it is aimed to improve ANKA-3's target detection and tracking capabilities in different conditions. The actual operational performance of the systems will depend on the configuration, mission conditions and integration level used.

Electronic Warfare and Self-Defense Systems Also Stand Out

ANKA-3's current technical specifications also include electronic warfare and self-defense equipment. The systems specified for the platform include Missile Warning System (MWR), Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Directed Infrared Countermeasure System (DIRCM), RF jammer and guided missile decoys.

Countermeasures such as chaff and flare are also expected to be included in the self-defense architecture of the platform. These systems are used to detect threats and implement countermeasures against certain types of missiles.

Electronic warfare capabilities will enable ANKA-3 to be used not only in attack missions, but also in monitoring the electromagnetic environment and missions against the opposing party's electronic systems.

Manned-Unmanned Cooperation and Aircraft Carrier Capability

ANKA-3 is also being developed within the scope of the MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) concept, known as manned-unmanned teaming. This approach involves the use of manned warplanes and unmanned platforms together in joint mission planning and operations.

The updated technical information also includes take-off and landing capability from the aircraft carrier. This feature reveals the objectives for evaluating the platform in terms of naval aviation and ship-based operations. However, making this capability operational depends on the necessary design verification and testing processes.

New Stage for Mass Production Configuration

ANKA-3's updated technical data reflects efforts to develop the platform with higher payload capacity and a wider range of missions. Air-air missions, advanced sensors, electronic warfare and manned-unmanned cooperation are among the prominent development areas of the system.