The concept of the TB-3 Bayraktar UAV on the deck of the aircraft carrier Anadolu. Photo: https://t.co/BDAog0wSQZ pic.twitter.com/EHFFXGINK0
— Ivan O'Gilvi (@o_gilvi) May 12, 2021
Turkish company Baykar Defense has published the first concept image of the TB-3 Bayraktar drone on the deck of the aircraft carrier landing ship Anadolu.
The ship is being built at the Sedef shipyard, and its commissioning is scheduled for 2022. Initially, the Anadolu wing was supposed to consist of F-35 carrier-based fighters, but the United States excluded Turkey from the program after Ankara acquired Russian S-400 anti-aircraft systems. In response, the leadership of the Turkish defense industry said that it would replace American aircraft with drones of its own design.
There are two interesting details in the published image. First, the Bayraktar folding wings-the hinges are marked with black stripes. Secondly, a cable catapult for dispersing drones. The installation of a take-off system not provided for in the original design may cause a delay in the commissioning of the aircraft carrier, according to Naval News. The method of landing the drones is not reported.
According to the Turkish authorities, Anadolu will be able to carry from 30 to 50 attack drones. At least 10 of them can be simultaneously controlled by the ship's command system.
Anton Valagin