Türkiye's Anka-3 UCAV performs 1st flight with ammunition.

The Anka-3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) from Turkey has completed its first flight with munitions, as announced on Sunday  September 01, by its developer, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Anka-3 is the next step in supersonic development for Turkish industries. 
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Alleged view of second prototype of ANKA-3 UAV  (Picture source: X)

"ANKA III, the product of our strength and determination on the path to a fully independent Turkey, is generating excitement and pride with the successes it has achieved one after another," the statement added.

In another statement, TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu expressed his pride in another significant milestone achieved by the country's first stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a flying wing design and deep-strike capability. He declared that the ANKA III has reached a new milestone, regarded as a national pride. The ANKA III, which completed its first flight with munitions, has once again demonstrated the power it will bring to our country in the field of defense.

The Anka-3 is part of Turkey's ambition to develop supersonic strike drones. During a recent online interaction, Temel Kotil, the CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), stated that the ANKA-3 will be equipped with two engines, enabling it to fly at "supersonic speeds." The engines have been identified as two TEI (TUSAŞ Engine Industries) TF10000 turbofans. "Development work on the TEI-TF10000 is ongoing, and once completed, it is expected to provide a dry thrust of 6,000 pounds and an afterburner (A/B) thrust of 10,000 pounds."

Interestingly, the TF10000, along with the TF6000, is being rapidly developed to serve as a domestic alternative to the General Electric F110 turbofan from the United States, which currently powers the KAAN. Ankara anticipates that the complicated relationship between the United States and Turkey could lead Washington to block the sale of the F110. The TF10000 is an upgraded version of the TF6000, the latter being developed as an auxiliary power unit for the KAAN.

The Turkish Anka-3 drone is one of the most interesting programs in Turkey's prolific and successful aerospace industry. Developed by TAI, the stealth flying wing-type drone has a wingspan of approximately 17.5 meters and a length of about 8 meters, designed to handle different types of missions with a maximum takeoff weight of 6.5 tons and a payload capacity of 750 kg.

The first prototype made its maiden flight on December 28, 2023.

Currently, the ANKA-3 is equipped with a single AI-322 engine, allowing the drone to reach a maximum speed of 450 knots. Its service ceiling is 12,000 meters (39,000 feet), with a maximum ceiling of 40,000 feet (12,000 meters). The future version of the ANKA-3 is likely to be larger and capable of carrying a heavier payload, with a shape that will need to be revised and optimized for supersonic speeds.

Although it features sophisticated capabilities and advanced technology, the primary role of the ANKA-3 is more aligned with traditional UCAV operations rather than acting as a loyal wingman (for the KAAN). It can perform ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, carry precision-guided munitions, and conduct electronic warfare operations. It will be capable of flying autonomously and executing missions, though likely managed or monitored by ground stations.