While some types of UCAVs have introduced an increased payload capacity, an improved sensor suite or an increased endurance over their predecessors, there has been little innovation in armament types cleared for use by UCAVs in recent years. This all changed with the introduction of the Bayraktar Akıncı, which boasts a number of features not seen on any other type of UCAV produced anywhere before.
One of these features is the ability to launch high-precision cruise missiles at targets located 275+km away. This novel capability was made possible through the integration of the SOM series of cruise missiles developed by the Turkish TÜBİTAK Defense Industries Research and Development Institute. Due to size and weight limitations, only one cruise missile can be carried by the Akıncı under its single fuselage-mounted hardpoint. Still, this is a 100% increase over the operational cruise missile-carrying capabilities of any other drone type in the world.
The capability to carry SOM missiles is far from the Akıncı's only ace up its sleeve. Arguably the most innovative aspect of the Akıncı will be its prospective ability to use air-to-air missiles, consisting of the indigenous Bozdoğan IR-guided AAM, the Gökdoğan BVRAAM and the Sungur short-range AAM (itself a Turkish derivative of the FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS). The Akıncı's AESA radar enables it to autonomously pick out its targets at great range, and engage enemy slow-flying aircraft, helicopters and other drones at ranges as far as 100km away.
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One of these features is the ability to launch high-precision cruise missiles at targets located 275+km away. This novel capability was made possible through the integration of the SOM series of cruise missiles developed by the Turkish TÜBİTAK Defense Industries Research and Development Institute. Due to size and weight limitations, only one cruise missile can be carried by the Akıncı under its single fuselage-mounted hardpoint. Still, this is a 100% increase over the operational cruise missile-carrying capabilities of any other drone type in the world.
The capability to carry SOM missiles is far from the Akıncı's only ace up its sleeve. Arguably the most innovative aspect of the Akıncı will be its prospective ability to use air-to-air missiles, consisting of the indigenous Bozdoğan IR-guided AAM, the Gökdoğan BVRAAM and the Sungur short-range AAM (itself a Turkish derivative of the FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS). The Akıncı's AESA radar enables it to autonomously pick out its targets at great range, and engage enemy slow-flying aircraft, helicopters and other drones at ranges as far as 100km away.
The 275 Kilometer Sniper Rifle: The Bayraktar Akıncı
