The Bayraktar TB2 is a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike missions. Developed by Baykar Makina, a Turkish defense company, the Bayraktar TB2 has become a highly regarded platform in modern military operations. It has been deployed in several theaters of conflict, including Syria, Libya, and Nagorno-Karabakh, where it has demonstrated its effectiveness.
Country users: Turkey, Ukraine, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Somalia, Libya, Poland, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Chad, Morocco, Tunisia, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritania, Albania, Northern Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Senegal, and others
Technical Data
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Armament
The Bayraktar TB2 can be armed with various precision-guided munitions, allowing it to perform both surveillance and strike operations with a high level of effectiveness. The UAV is primarily armed with the MAM-C and MAM-L munitions, which are part of Turkey’s indigenous Miniature Air-to-Ground Munition (MAM) family. The MAM-C is a smaller, lighter munition that is ideal for engaging soft targets such as vehicles and light infrastructure. It has a range of approximately 8 km and can be equipped with either laser or GPS guidance systems. The more powerful MAM-L variant has a range of up to 14 km and can strike more heavily fortified targets, such as enemy command posts or armored vehicles. The Bayraktar TB2 can carry a payload of up to 150 kg (330 lbs), typically consisting of multiple MAM-L munitions. This gives the UAV substantial strike capability while maintaining its role as a surveillance and reconnaissance platform.
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Design
The Bayraktar TB2 features a high-wing monoplane design, which provides increased stability and efficiency for extended missions. The drone is equipped with a tailplane, further improving its aerodynamic characteristics. This design also enhances its performance at higher altitudes, where stability can be more difficult to maintain. The UAV’s construction uses composite materials, which helps to reduce its weight and increase fuel efficiency, thereby extending mission endurance. Despite its relatively compact size, the Bayraktar TB2 is equipped to handle long-duration flights, capable of staying airborne for up to 24 hours depending on the mission parameters.
The UAV’s dimensions are optimized for both deployment ease and operational effectiveness. Its wingspan is 12 meters, while its length is 6.5 meters, and its height is 2.2 meters. This size strikes a balance between performance and portability. The low radar cross-section of the Bayraktar TB2 helps it remain less detectable by enemy radar systems, providing some level of operational stealth, which is particularly beneficial in contested environments.
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Mobility
The Bayraktar TB2 is powered by a Rotax 912 ULS engine, a four-cylinder, air-cooled engine known for its reliability and efficiency in small aircraft. Delivering 100 horsepower, the engine provides sufficient power for both endurance and speed. The UAV achieves a maximum speed of 130 km/h (80 mph), with a cruising speed of around 100 km/h (62 mph), offering a good balance between speed and fuel efficiency for extended missions. The engine allows the Bayraktar TB2 to operate at altitudes up to 27,000 feet (8,230 meters), which is ideal for both reconnaissance and surveillance in high-altitude environments. With a lightweight design and efficient powertrain, the Bayraktar TB2 is capable of staying aloft for up to 24 hours, making it suitable for long-duration missions where endurance is critical.
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Command and Control Systems
The Bayraktar TB2 operates through an advanced command and control (C2) system, which enables both autonomous and remote operation. The UAV is typically controlled from a ground control station (GCS), where operators manage its flight path, mission parameters, and sensor payloads. The C2 system allows the UAV to perform waypoint navigation, following pre-programmed flight paths autonomously, or be piloted remotely via real-time data links.
The UAV’s communications system includes satellite communications (SATCOM), which extend its operational range beyond line-of-sight (BLOS). This enables the Bayraktar TB2 to conduct operations over long distances or in contested environments, where direct line-of-sight communication may be disrupted. The system also incorporates encrypted communication links, ensuring the integrity of data transmitted between the UAV and its operators. This secure data transmission system allows the Bayraktar TB2 to provide real-time video, telemetry, and mission data, ensuring effective mission execution even in high-risk environments. The data link system further enhances the UAV’s ability to support ground forces in dynamic combat scenarios.
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Combat Equipment
The Bayraktar TB2 is equipped with a suite of combat equipment designed to enhance its ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and strike capabilities. It is fitted with electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors, which provide real-time, high-definition video feeds, both day and night. These sensors enable the UAV to operate in low-visibility conditions, such as during nighttime operations or in adverse weather. The EO and IR sensors are integrated into the UAV’s electro-optical/infrared turret, which is capable of both target detection and target tracking.
In addition to these sensors, the Bayraktar TB2 is equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which provides all-weather surveillance capabilities. SAR is particularly useful for detecting ground targets through cloud cover, fog, or other challenging environmental conditions. The combination of EO/IR sensors and SAR gives the Bayraktar TB2 the versatility to operate in a variety of operational theaters, from clear skies to inclement weather. These systems allow the UAV to provide a comprehensive intelligence picture in real-time, crucial for making tactical decisions on the battlefield.
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