Baykar
Baykar Bayraktar Kızılelma
The Baykar Bayraktar Kızılelma is a next‑generation, low‑observable combat UAV developed by Turkish aerospace company Baykar. Its design work began in 2018, following the success of the Bayraktar TB2, with the goal of creating a carrier‑borne, supersonic platform capable of autonomous strike missions. The first flight took place in March 2023, and the aircraft entered an operational evaluation phase with the Turkish Air Force later that year. Kızılelma features a twin‑engine configuration, internal weapons bays, and a blended wing‑body shape that reduces radar cross‑section. Powered by two turbofan engines, it can exceed Mach 1.5 and sustain a combat radius of over 1,200 km while carrying a payload of up to 2,000 kg, including precision‑guided munitions and electronic‑warfare pods. Advanced avionics, artificial‑intelligence‑driven navigation, and secure datalink systems enable fully autonomous take‑off, cruise, and landing on naval vessels. Its significance lies in providing Turkey with an indigenous, carrier‑capable stealth UAV, reshaping regional power projection and influencing the future of unmanned combat aviation worldwide. The Kızılelma will operate from the TCG Anadolu, becoming the first stealth UAV launched from a warship deck. Planned upgrades include hybrid‑electric power for longer endurance and reduced acoustic signature.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 2023
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Baykar
- Developer
- Baykar
- Wikidata ID
- Q108017597