From TAI MAG 135:
ANKA III Took to the Skies
The ANKA III Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, developed in 15 months as a high-speed UAV system with low
observability and the capacity to carry diverse payloads, made its maiden flight in the final days of 2023.
This milestone represented another significant success during the year for our company, solidifying our
position within the industry.
Our company has successfully realized the goals established
years ago, aiming to mark a significant milestone for our Republic's centennial and our company's 50th anniversary, thereby reshaping Türkiye's standing within the aviation industry as
a producer of jet and fighter aircraft. As part of our 2023 goals,
we proudly unveiled our indigenous and national products to
the global stage.
At the Century of the Future Launch Program held on May 1,
2023, in the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the
ANKA III Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) shared the stage with
the Turkish Fighter KAAN, the Jet Trainer Aircraft HÜRJET, the
Heavy Class Attack Helicopter ATAK II, and the Utility Helicop-
ter T625 GÖKBEY. ANKA III, whose development process com-
menced in 2022, made its maiden flight in the final days of 2023.
The ANKA III Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, developed entirely
with domestic capabilities by our company, successfully took
off from the runway for its maiden flight at 08:38 on December
28, 2023. The flight, conducted at our facilities, lasted 1 hour
and 10 minutes.
During its maiden flight, ANKA III also conducted a go-around
test, reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet at a speed of 150 knots.
Notably, ANKA III’s flight was accompanied by the HÜRKUŞ Ba-
sic Trainer Aircraft and ANKA Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan shared footage of ANKA III's
maiden flight on his social media account, emphasizing, “Our
unmanned combat aerial vehicle ANKA III, developed by Turkish Aerospace, successfully completed its maiden flight today.
Its advanced technologies, design, and features will play a vital
role in enhancing our country's defense capabilities.”
Commenting on ANKA III's maiden flight, which took off from
our facilities enthusiastically observed by our executives and
colleagues, Prof. Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Aerospace, said,
"We wish ANKA III best of luck. God bless our country; we now
have a UAV in the sky that the enemy cannot see, but can see
its enemy. May it achieve great success."
Design phase concluded
The development activities for ANKA III, which successfully
completed its maiden flight, started in 2022. After the System
Requirements Review Meeting in March of that year, the system
requirements were finalized. Subsequently, on April 11, 2022,
the Preliminary Design Review Meeting took place, during
which the external geometry design was determined.
Sharing the avionic architecture of ANKA and AKSUNGUR,
ANKA III incorporates distinct subsystems, particularly the
newly designed propulsion system. Design work on these sub-
systems progressed swiftly. The Critical Design Review Phase
commenced on October 14, 2022, and was followed by the
production of the aircraft's initial detailed parts on November
7, 2022.
The software requirements for the changed systems were pre-
pared, leading to the release of the maiden flight control, air,
and ground software versions for ANKA III on November 10,
2022.
In March 2023, following the structural assembly that finished in
January and the equipment installations which were completed
in February, ANKA III was powered up for the first time. It under-
went taxi tests on April 15, 2023, taking to the runway. Having
completed its maiden flight on December 28, 2023, ANKA III
stands out as a UAV system that boasts increased speed due to
its jet engine, a notable payload capacity, and enhanced radar
stealth owing to its tailless design.
ANKA III’s features
The ground systems used in ANKA and AKSUNGUR became
the foundation for ANKA III, which stood apart from its family
with its new software. The ground systems that control ANKA
and AKSUNGUR will also control the ANKA III system. This allows the three systems to be used as complementary elements
in joint missions. The software used in ANKA and AKSUNGUR,
which has been developed and improved over time during approximately 200,000 flight hours, forms the basis of the ANKA
III system's software.
The ANKA III system is designed to carry 650 kilograms of ammunition in each of its two fuselage stations, another 650 kilo-
grams in each of the inner wing stations, and 100 kilograms in
each of the outer stations. This allows for the integration of a variety of options, including large munitions such as SOM-J, MK-82, and SDBs, which are commonly used in UAVs. Additionally,
the developed oleo-pneumatic landing gear will be capable of
carrying takeoff and landing loads on the aircraft.
With its high payload capacity, numerous internal and external
ammunition stations, and low-visibility design, the ANKA III system has the capability to take the lead role in many missions.
ANKA III will be able to perform missions in addition to reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, and attack missions with
various air-to-ground and air-to-air munitions. These missions
include engaging enemy helicopters, propeller-driven aircraft,
and UAVs using air-to-air munitions; conducting hunting operations; neutralizing enemy RF radar and air defense systems;
guarding friendly forces in the air and on the ground; signal and
communication intelligence; electronic warfare; and operations
and communication with other friendly elements.
Our company developed a domestic autopilot system for the
tailless configuration and designed a new controller for the aircraft to enable the system to take off, cruise, and land autonomously. In addition to dual redundant GPS receivers, ANKA III
will also be able to take off and land automatically with a radar
altimeter.
ANKA III Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’s missions
• Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Signals Intelligence
• Air-to-Ground Attack
• Strategic Assault Mission
• Air Defense Systems Suppression
• Air Interception
• Support to Naval Operations
• Close Air Support
• Electronic Warfare
• Protection
• Manned-Unmanned Cooperation
ANKA III Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’s main features
• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 6,500 kg
• Payload Capacity: 1,200 kg
• Service Ceiling: 40,000 ft
• Maximum Speed: 0.7 Mach
• Endurance: 10 hours
