In the tests announced by Baykar on July 30, Bayraktar KIZILELMA hit the designated targets with full accuracy, leaving the Roketsan-produced TEBER-82 and ASELSAN-produced TOLUN-P, which it carried in the ammunition slot in the hull. Thus, the platform’s ability not only to carry ammunition and aim at the target; Opening of the slot covers, safe separation of ammunition from the aircraft and the functioning of the firing chain were also tested. While Latin America-based Aviacionline announced the development as “REDELMA’s critical threshold in terms of low visibility”, Army Recognition evaluated the test as a “historic home run” for the Turkish unmanned warplane program.
INTERNAL SLOT INCREASES INVISIBILITY
Carrying ammunition in the fuselage instead of external stations under the wing aims to reduce the aircraft’s radar signature and aerodynamic drag. While external bomb, missile, lens and carrier systems increase radar reflections, the internal slot will contribute to KIZILELMA’s approach to threat-dense airspace by increasing its stealth ability. International defense publications noted that the latest test demonstrated safe ammunition separation as well as the interoperability of the aircraft’s weapon management, guidance and mission computer systems. This feature is of critical importance for KIZILELMA to be used in deep attack, suppression of air defenses and pilotless operation missions against high-risk targets in the future.
HIT ABILITY WITH TEBER AND TOLUN
Roketsan’s TEBER-82 system transforms the MK-82 general purpose bomb into precision munitions with satellite positioning and semi-active laser guidance. According to official data, the system, which weighs approximately 270 kilograms, has a range of 2 to 28 kilometers and an accuracy of less than 3 meters. In addition to fixed targets, the system can also be used against moving targets with the help of laser marking. TOLUN-P, in the 250 lb class, is defined as “ANS/GNSS guided munition” developed against reinforced and armored targets. Its foldable structure and pneumatic release system allow carrying more ammunition in a limited volume. Like this KIZILELMA gains different strike options against moving or time-sensitive targets with TEBER-82, and against sheltered fixed structures with TOLUN-P.
SUCCESSFUL JOINT OPERATIONS TEST
KIZILELMA also tested its manned-unmanned joint mission capability in the tests carried out in Çorlu with the M-346 combat training aircraft belonging to the Italian Leonardo company in June. KIZILELMA, which took off autonomously, established a data connection with M-346 in the air and performed joint missions with the commands transmitted from the manned aircraft. Leonardo explained that the test was an important stage in terms of the new generation of air operations in which piloted and pilotless aircraft operate together. The US-based defense publication The War Zone also evaluated KIZILELMA’s hitting an air target with its GÖKDOĞAN radar-guided air-to-air missile (AAM) at the end of 2025 as an important development for unmanned warplanes. The global publication also pointed out that Türkiye has created a “real field of expertise” in armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UCAV).
ADVANCED TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
According to the current KIZILELMA configuration announced by Baykar, the maximum take-off weight of the platform is 8,500 kilograms, the payload capacity is 1,500 kilograms, and the effective combat area is approximately 930 kilometers. The maximum mission altitude of the platform is 45 thousand feet. The maximum speed for the initial configuration is given as Mach 0.9 (approximately 1,100 km). Platform; While it is designed with autonomous take-off, cruise and landing capabilities, it has an internal weapon bay, a low-radar signature hull structure and beyond-line-of-sight communication systems. Later models of KIZILELMA will feature higher speed, advanced AESA radar, electro-optical targeting, infrared search and tracking systems. It is aimed to develop joint mission capability with KAAN and other manned aircraft.
(email protected)
