Baykar Akıncı
Baykar · Turkey · first flew 2019 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Baykar Akıncı is Turkey's largest and most capable unmanned combat aerial vehicle, a high-altitude long-endurance platform able to carry a substantial weapons payload including stand-off munitions and air-to-air missiles.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Satellite link dome atop the fuselage pod; capable of carrying air-to-air missiles |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large Turkish HALE UCAV with twin turboprop engines on a straight high-aspect-ratio wing
- Twin-boom tail configuration — instantly distinguishable from single-boom Bayraktar TB2
- Satellite link dome atop the fuselage pod; capable of carrying air-to-air missiles
Twin-boom configuration with a long straight wing sets it apart from smaller Turkish UCAVs. Two under-wing turboprop engines and a prominent sensor ball under the nose are key recognition features. Substantially larger than the TB2.
Specifications
- The Baykar Akıncı has a length of 12.2 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20 m (66 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 361 km/h (224 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Baykar began development of the Akıncı as a step beyond its successful TB2, with the first flight recorded in December 2019. Serial production aircraft were delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces from 2021. The type combines indigenous avionics with two Ukrainian Motor Sich turboprop engines on early aircraft.
Variants
The Akıncı A is the initial production standard; the Akıncı B introduces an improved engine and systems fit. Both carry a Aselsan AESA radar under the nose.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Turkish Air Force and Land Forces. Export customers include Pakistan and other states. It has been used in combat operations and demonstrated a beyond-visual-range air-to-air intercept capability.
Related aircraft
- Baykar Bayraktar Akıncı
- Baykar Bayraktar Kızılelma
- Baykar Bayraktar TB3
- Bayraktar TB2
- Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie
- Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik
- TAI Aksungur
- Airbus Helicopters VSR700
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