Baykar Bayraktar Akıncı
Baykar · Turkey · first flew 2019 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Baykar Bayraktar Akıncı is Turkey's largest and most capable combat-capable unmanned aerial vehicle, designed to carry heavy payloads including standoff weapons and electronic warfare systems. Its twin-turboprop engines and 20 m wingspan put it in a class above the smaller Bayraktar TB2.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Large twin-turboprop combat UCAV with canted twin tail fins on a single fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large twin-turboprop combat UCAV with canted twin tail fins on a single fuselage
- Slender high-aspect straight wing with underwing munition hardpoints
- Carries heavy air-to-ground munitions including cruise missiles
Distinguished from the smaller TB2 by its much larger size, twin turboprop engines, and twin-boom tail; the long straight wing and twin fins are the primary recognition features.
Specifications
- The Baykar Bayraktar Akıncı has a length of 12.2 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20 m (66 ft).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the mid-2010s as Turkey sought to field a higher-performance UCAV above the TB2 in terms of payload and endurance. The Akıncı completed its maiden flight in 2019 and entered Turkish Armed Forces service around 2021, becoming the centrepiece of Turkish UCAV ambitions. Its combat debut came quickly, with the type used in several theatres.
Variants
The Akıncı-A and Akıncı-B differ in engine type and avionics; the -B variant uses Ivchenko-Progress AI-450T turboprops.
Where you'll see it
The Akıncı serves with the Turkish Air Force and has been exported to several countries; it represents the high end of Turkey's fast-growing UCAV export programme.
Related aircraft
- Baykar 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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