The Turkish drone BAYRAKTAR TB-3 carried out flight operations for the first time on board the LHD ANADOLU. The first trials took place on 19 November off the Aksaz naval base in the Sea of Marmara.
As is well known, the LHD ANADOLU has been adapted to the role of drone carrier, and the TB-3 is an evolution of the well-known TB-2, developed specifically for embarked use. In fact, the characteristics of the TB-3 differ significantly from those of its predecessor.
The maximum take-off weight is increased from 700 kg to 1450 kg, the payload from 150 kg to 280 kg, the length from 6.5 m to 8.35 m, the wingspan from 12 m to 14 m (and the TB-3 has foldable wings, so it can be stowed on the lifts and in the hangar), and the propulsion system from 100 Hp (petrol) to 170 Hp (diesel).
The TB-3 has 6 wing pilons for the war load, instead of the TB-2's 4. During the tests, the TB-3 took off by exploiting the ship's 12° ski jump, made a flight of about 45 minutes and then landed on the same ship, without any need for trip wires.
The test marks an important step towards achieving an embarked reconnaissance and air attack capability, and follows a few days after the demonstration carried out with the similar GRAY EAGLE STOL on board the South Korean helicopter carrier DOKDO.
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