Poland plans to equip Bayraktar TB2 drones with barrage ammunition. Yesterday, November 13, the portal defence24.pl He reported that the companies WB Group and Baykar Defense are negotiating the possibility of using kamikaze drones as a drone weapon.
The WB Group company produces several models of the Warmate family of barrage ammunition. In particular, the Warmate TL model can be easily adapted for use on the Bayraktar TB2, since it has a folding design. The drone is capable of carrying up to four barrage ammunition, each of which will be able to hit a target at a distance of up to 30 km from the drop point.
Bayraktar TB2 Drones
Image source: baykarmakina.com
The WB Group indicates that the use of barrage ammunition will significantly expand the capabilities of the Bayraktar TB2. The basic armament of the Turkish drone consists of adjustable ammunition of the MAM family (Mini Akıllı Mühimmat), which at a high drop height can cover a distance of up to 8 km. The use of kamikaze drones will increase this figure by several times.
Drone Warmate TL
Image source: defence-blog.com
Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-range attack UAV designed and manufactured by the Turkish company Baykar. The development of the drone began in 2007, and two years later it made its first flight. In 2014, the developers demonstrated its final version to the Turkish military, and in March 2016, the Bayraktar TB2 was officially adopted by the Turkish army.
Bayraktar TB2 can climb to a height of more than 7300 m and stay in the air for up to 24 hours. The device is able to move away from the control point at a distance of up to 150 km and operate in two modes (remote control or automatic mode, including self-takeoff and landing). The maximum speed of the drone is 250 km/h, cruising speed is 130 km/h. The length of the drone is 6.5 m, the wingspan is 12 m. The maximum take-off weight of the drone is 650 kg, while the payload is 55 kg. The device is equipped with a variety of cameras and surveillance systems, which allows it to be used for reconnaissance purposes. In addition, the Bayraktar TB2 is capable of carrying correctable bombs and laser-guided missiles.
Poland announced the acquisition of Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones in May this year. The contract includes 4 sets (24 Bayraktar TB2 drones, as well as weapons for them).