it may not be economic, but if necessary, wouldn't it be acceptable to have an engine that is more thirsty if it can ensure our UCAV can carry heavier payload at Medium Altitudes ? let's say the operational range is 300-500 km.
Of course! It all depends on what we are expecting from the UCAV. TB3, as it is can loiter in the air for 24 hours giving TCG Anadolu, valuable intel and/or protection.
A turboprop powered UAV, will have better altitude and payload performance. But will not stay in the air as long. Neither will any jet powered platform; be it Hurjet or F35B. But they all serve a different purpose.
Ideally, TB3 with F35B operating from TCG Anadolu will be a great match. They will complement each other’s weaknesses.
KE, to a certain extent will do a similar job. But the deck of TCG Anadolu will have to be cut up to fit an arresting wire system - unless we can get over that problem with a portable arrester. But there is also the problem of KE’s non existent engine. (May be they should start considering the RR Adour).