Image source: topwar.ru
The Turkish company Baykar Technologies has demonstrated the launch of a supersonic JET-230 air-to-surface missile from a serial Bayraktar KIZILELMA S2 attack and reconnaissance drone.
Allegedly, during the test, the missile flew more than 120 km and successfully hit a simulated naval target. At the same time, as stated, it can travel over 200 km.:
The JET-230, developed by the Turkish company ROKETSAN, is an air-based product using an aeroballistic trajectory. Instead of following the low flight profile of a conventional radar, the missile follows a quasi-ballistic arc in the upper layers of the stratosphere at a speed of about Mach 2.5, being able to perform sharp anti-aircraft maneuvers at the finish line to penetrate enemy air defenses.
Image source: topwar.ru
A semi-active laser seeker is used to aim at the target. Target designation can be carried out both by ground-based spotters and directly from the TOYGUN EOTS optical-electronic station installed on the Kızılelma drone itself. The GPS is complemented by an INS and multi-channel satellite navigation. The mass of the rocket is 210 kg. The 42 kg warhead is high-explosive and contains thousands of high-strength steel balls, which dramatically increases the area of damage during an explosion (the effective damage radius is more than 55 m). Remote detonation is possible when approaching the target.
The KIZILELMA is positioned as a "jet-powered unmanned fighter" rather than a traditional attack drone. The developer points to the low radar visibility of this aircraft, the possibility of autonomous flight, increased maneuverability. The weight of the KIZILELMA S2 is 8.5 tons, with a load capacity of 1.5 tons.
