Türkiye’s future unmanned jet fighter “KIZILELMA” passes another milestone
KIZILELMA, Türkiye's first unmanned fighter jet developed entirely with Baykar's self-funded resources, continues its flight test campaign in line with the planned schedule.
On March 6, Bayraktar KIZILELMA successfully completed the Aerodynamic System Identification Test. The production prototype, with tail number TC-OZB3 (PT3), took off from the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Corlu, Tekirdag, and successfully carried out aerodynamic system identification activities during the test flight.
Based on the experience gained from initial prototypes, the production prototype of Bayraktar KIZILELMA has undergone significant improvements. Along with structural enhancements, its avionics architecture has been upgraded. The aircraft also completed a flight with its afterburner-integrated engine alternative, which has been successfully integrated into the system. With its new powerful engine, Bayraktar KIZILELMA will approach supersonic speeds and deliver better maneuverability at high speeds thanks to aerodynamic refinements. Equipped with an AESA radar for high situational awareness, it will be capable of executing the most demanding missions.
The Bayraktar KIZILELMA project, initiated in 2021 with 100% Baykar's own equity, achieved its maiden flight in record time. The aircraft, with tail number TC-ÖZB, rolled off the production line on November 14, 2022, and was transferred to the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Corlu. After rapidly completing ground tests, Bayraktar KIZILELMA successfully performed its first flight on December 14, 2022, taking to the skies in just one year. During TEKNOFEST 2023, Bayraktar KIZILELMA made groundbreaking flights in world aviation history. It performed formation flights with the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV, and on May 1, 2023, conducted formation flights over Istanbul with the SOLOTÜRK F-16 fighter jet and the Turkish Stars F-5 jets, showcasing the fleet concept. These unprecedented flight demonstrations mark a milestone in aviation history and are set to shape the future of air combat.