Baykar Bayraktar Akıncı
{{Short description|Turkish unmanned combat aerial vehicle}}
| {{Infobox aircraft begin
| name = Bayraktar Akıncı | image = Bayraktar Akıncı in Azerbaijani Air Force 1.jpg | caption = Azerbaijani Air Force Akinci }}{{Infobox aircraft type | type = Unmanned combat aerial vehicle | national origin = Turkey | manufacturer = Baykar | design group = | designer = Baykar | builder = | first flight = 6 December 2019 | introduced = 29 August 2021 | retired = | status = In service | primary user = Turkish Armed Forces | produced = 2019–current | program cost = | unit cost = | variants with their own articles = | developed into = }} |
Bayraktar Akıncı ({{IPA|tr|bajraktar akɯnd͡ʒɯ}}, Raider lit. "Akinji") is a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) being manufactured by the Turkish defence company Baykar. The first three units entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces on 29 August 2021.{{cite news |title=Erdoğan praises Turkey's drone technology as Akıncı UCAV added to military inventory |url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-praises-turkeys-drone-technology-as-akinci-ucav-added-to-military-inventory-167457 |access-date=30 August 2021 |publisher=Hurriyet Daily News |date=30 August 2021}}
The aircraft has a 5.5+ ton maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), of which over {{convert|1350|kg|abbr=on}} is payload. Akıncı is equipped with two turboprop engines of either {{cvt|450|HP|PS kW|abbr=on|lk=on}} or {{cvt|750|HP|PS kW|abbr=on}}, as well as electronic support and ECM systems, dual satellite communication systems, air-to-air radar, collision avoidance radar, and advanced synthetic-aperture radar.{{Cite web|title=BAYKAR Technology {{!}} Bayraktar Akıncı|url=https://www.baykartech.com/en/uav/bayraktar-akinci/|access-date=2023-09-20|website=baykartech.com|archive-date=2022-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206192958/https://www.baykartech.com/en/uav/bayraktar-akinci/|url-status=dead}}
Development
With the preliminary design phase completed in June 2019, Akıncı started engine ground run testing in August 2019 with a Ukrainian Ivchenko-Progress AI-450C turboprop engine. First engine test was accomplished on September 1, 2019. Following the completion of other technical tests, the aircraft was moved to the Turkish Army's Çorlu Airfield Command. The UCAV made its maiden flight with automatic taxiing, take-off, 16-minute flight and successful landing on December 6, 2019.
Akıncı has a payload capacity of {{cvt|881|lb}} internal and {{cvt|2094|lb}} external, a maximum combat load of {{cvt|2976|lb|abbr=on}}. Powered by two {{cvt|450|HP|PS kW|abbr=on|lk=on}} or {{cvt|750|HP|PS kW|abbr=on}} turboprop engines, the drone has a {{cvt|66|ft}} wingspan. It will be the first UAV capable of launching a cruise missile.
First pictures of the UAV hit media reports in June 2018 and it was unveiled to the public during the Teknofest Aviation, Space and Technology Festival in September 2019.{{Cite web|title=Bayraktar Akıncı Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), Turkey|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/bayraktar-akinci-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle-ucav/|access-date=2021-04-12|website=www.airforce-technology.com}}
On 22 April 2021, Bayraktar Akıncı UCAV has successfully conducted its first firing tests. During the test, 'Akıncı' was fitted with three different variants of the indigenously developed smart munitions, MAM-L, MAM-C and MAM-T. The test was also the first public appearance of the Roketsan's newest smart munition, MAM-T.{{Cite web|last=Sabah|first=Daily|date=2021-04-22|title=Turkey's Akıncı UCAV successfully hits targets with Roketsan munitions|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkeys-akinci-ucav-successfully-hits-targets-with-roketsan-munitions|access-date=2021-04-22|website=Daily Sabah|language=en-US}} From July 6 to 7, the aircraft completed a test flight of 25 hours and 45 minutes, flying {{convert|7507|km|nmi smi|abbr=on|lk=on}} and reaching an altitude of {{convert|38,039|ft|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|author=Ahmet Alemdar|url=https://www.defenceturk.net/baykar-savunma-bayraktar-akinci-tihanin-ilk-teslimatina-hazir|title=Baykar Savunma, Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA'nın ilk teslimatına hazır|work=DefenceTurk|date=2021-08-26|access-date=2021-08-29|language=tr}} On August 29, 2021, Akıncı was added to the inventory of Turkish armed forces.
Operational history
Akıncı was first used in Pençe-Kilit Operations which were held by the Turkish military to dissolve PKK positions such as shelters and caves in Northern Iraq.{{Cite web |last=artunbeg |date=2022-04-22 |title=Pençe-Kilit Operasyonu |url=https://tr.ansiklopedika.net/viki/pence-kilit-operasyonu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723102542/https://tr.ansiklopedika.net/viki/pence-kilit-operasyonu |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 23, 2022 |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Ansiklopedika Viki |language=tr }}{{user generated content|date=February 2025}}
A total of 9 Akıncıs successfully flew over 1551 hours in the earthquake zone of the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.
The drones have been instrumental in providing continuous updates and data to the crisis response team for damage detection, search and rescue support, along with coordination activities.{{Cite web |title=Bayraktar Akıncı UAVs conduct over 1,551 hours of flights in quake zone {{!}} BAYKAR Technology |url=https://www.baykartech.com/en/press/bayraktar-tb2-aknc-uavs-conduct-over-1551-hours-of-flights-in-quake-zone/ |access-date=2023-03-07 |archive-date=2023-03-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307181943/https://www.baykartech.com/en/press/bayraktar-tb2-aknc-uavs-conduct-over-1551-hours-of-flights-in-quake-zone/ |url-status=dead }}{{npsn|date=February 2025}}
A unspecified number of Akıncıs were involved in an attack on the Wagner Group-operated El-Hadim Airbase, having destroyed at least one air defense system.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-07-20 |title=Turkish Drone Manufacturer Baykar Secures Deal with Saudi Arabia for Akinci UCAV - MilitaryLeak.COM |url=https://militaryleak.com/2023/07/20/turkish-drone-manufacturer-baykar-secures-deal-with-saudi-arabia-for-akinci-ucav/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=militaryleak.com |language=en-us}}
In May 2024 one of the drones assisted in finding the crash site of a Bell 212 that had crashed, which killed the Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The mission reportedly lasted 7 hours. Afterwards, the drone drew the crescent and star.{{Cite web |title=Türkiye's Akinci UAV identifies source of heat suspected to be crash site of Iranian president's helicopter |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkiye-s-akinci-uav-identifies-source-of-heat-suspected-to-be-crash-site-of-iranian-president-s-helicopter/3224277 |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}{{Cite web |last=Tiwari |first=Sakshi |date=2024-05-20 |title=Iran's Loss Is Turkey's Gain! Akinci UAV, That Located Ebrahim Raisi's Chopper, Scores 2.5 Million Hits |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/irans-loss-is-turkeys-gain-akinci-uav-that-located/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News |language=en-US}}{{cite news |editor-last=Sharma |editor-first=Divyam |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/turkish-drone-draws-star-crescent-after-finding-iran-presidents-chopper-5706330 |title=Turkish Drone Draws Star, Crescent After Finding Iran President's Chopper: The chopper navigated through dense fog and harsh weather and crashed in the mountains of Jofa a few minutes after taking off. |work=NDTV (ndtv.com) |date=20 May 2024 |access-date=20 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240520190728/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/turkish-drone-draws-star-crescent-after-finding-iran-presidents-chopper-5706330 |archive-date=20 May 2024}}
On 28 January 2025, forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) shot down a Turkish-made Bayraktar Akıncı drone approximately 15 kilometers west of Ajaylat in northwestern Libya. Video evidence of the incident shows smoke in the sky, suggesting the drone was hit by an LNA-fired missile. {{cite web |title=Akinci UAV crashes for the first time in Libya |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/akinci-uav-crashes-for-the-first-time-in-libya/ |website=mil.in.ua |access-date=30 January 2025}}
In 16 March 2025,{{Cite web |title=Gerîla TV releases footage of Turkish UCAV shot down in Qandil |url=https://anfenglish.com/kurdistan/gerila-tv-releases-footage-of-turkish-ucav-shot-down-in-qandil-78441 |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=ANF News |language=en}} The People's Defense Forces (HPG, the armed wing of the PKK) shot down a Turkish Akinci-type combat drone on evening in the Qendîl region. According to local sources, a drone belonging to the Turkish state was shot down by the guerrilla. The wreckage of the drone reportedly crashed in the locality of Bingird, in the Ranya region.{{Cite web |last=ROJINFO |date=2025-03-16 |title=Le PKK abat un drone turc de type AKINCI |url=https://rojinfo.com/le-pkk-abat-un-drone-turc-de-type-akinci/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=RojInfo |language=fr-FR}}
In 31 March 2025,{{Cite web |last1=BAMAKO (MALI) |first1=APA- |last2=AC |date=2025-04-01 |title=Mali : le FLA revendique la destruction d'un drone Akinci près de Tinzawatène |url=https://fr.apanews.net/news/mali-le-fla-revendique-la-destruction-dun-drone-akinci-pres-de-tinzawatene/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=APAnews - Agence de Presse Africaine |language=fr-FR}} Malian Air Force Akinci UAV shot{{Cite web |date=2025-04-01 |title=Mali'de Akıncı SİHA düştü |url=https://www.mepanews.com/malide-akinci-siha-dustu-71657h.htm |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Mepa News |language=tr}}’{{Cite web |date=2025-04-01 |title=AKINCI'nın peşinde kim var? Baykar TİHA'sı bu kez Cezayir sınırında düştü! İşaretler o ülkeyi gösteriyor |url=https://www.trhaber.com/savunma/akinci-nin-pesinde-kim-var-baykar-tiha-si-bu-kez-cezayir-sinirinda-dustu-isaretler-o-ulkeyi-gosteriyor-h913062.html |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=TRHaber |language=tr}} down by Algerian Territorial Air Defence Forces in Tinzawatene.{{Cite web |last=Akramov |date=2025-04-01 |title=Les FLA abattent un drone Akinçi malien |url=https://www.menadefense.net/les-fla-abattent-un-drone-akinci-malien/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=MENADEFENSE |language=fr-FR}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2025/04/06/turkeys-best-drones-are-being-shot-down-over-middle-east-and-africa/ | title=Turkey's Best Drones Are Being Shot Down over Middle East and Africa | website=Forbes }}
Türkiye’s indigenous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the Bayraktar Akinci and Bayraktar TB2, took to the skies on 24 April 2025 following a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Istanbul to assist in coordination efforts.{{Cite web |last=BaykarTech |title=TÜRKİYE’S UAVS ASSIST IN COORDINATION EFFORTS FOLLOWING ISTANBUL EARTHQUAKE |url=https://baykartech.com/en/press/turkiyes-uavs-assist-in-coordination-efforts-following-istanbul-earthquake/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=baykartech.com |language=en}}
Avionics and radar
The Akıncı drone is equipped with an indigenously manufactured active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar called MURAD, a SAR/GMTI radar, a surveillance system, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence suite (SIGINT), and SATCOM allowing Akıncıs to become UCAV as well as ISTAR+C3 assets for the Turkish military.{{Cite web|last=Iddon|first=Paul|title=Turkey's New Akinci Drone Is Impressive, But It's No Substitute For Modern Fighter Jets|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2020/08/25/turkeys-new-akinci-drone-looks-impressive-but-its-no-substitute-for-modern-fighter-jets/|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Forbes|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=GDC|date=2020-09-11|title=Baykar started to develop the AKINCI Combat UAV|url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2020/09/11/baykar-started-to-develop-the-akinci-combat-uav/|access-date=2021-07-15|website=Global Defense Corp|language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=ASELSAN 2023'te birçok ilke imza attı |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/bilim-teknoloji/aselsan-2023te-bircok-ilke-imza-atti/3096848 |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}
Timeline
File:Bayraktar Akıncı SİHA (UAV).jpg
File:BayraktarAkıncı Teknofest2019 (2).jpg
File:BayraktarAkıncı Teknofest2019 (3).jpg
File:Bayraktar Akıncı TurkishArmy Teknofest2021 (1).jpg
- On 6 December 2019, Bayraktar Akıncı made its maiden flight.{{Cite web|last=Lake|first=Jon|title=Turkey's New Raider Takes to the Air|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-12-11/turkeys-new-raider-takes-air|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Aviation International News|language=en}}
- On 10 January 2020, first prototype made its second flight and passed over 6000 ft.{{Cite web|title=2. kez havalandı... 2020'nin ilk uçuşu!|url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/2-kez-havalandi-2020nin-ilk-ucusu-41417133|access-date=2021-04-27|website=www.hurriyet.com.tr|date=10 January 2020 |language=tr}}
- On 13 August 2020, second prototype made its maiden flights.{{Cite web|title=Turkish Akinci Combat Drone's 2nd Prototype Completes Maiden Flight|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/27651/Turkish_Akinci_Combat_Drone___s_2nd_Prototype_Completes_Maiden_Flight|access-date=2021-04-27|website=www.defenseworld.net|archive-date=2020-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919205043/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/27651/Turkish_Akinci_Combat_Drone___s_2nd_Prototype_Completes_Maiden_Flight|url-status=dead}}
- On 19 August 2020, second prototype conducted medium altitude system integration flight tests.{{Cite web|last=Agency|first=Anadolu|date=2020-08-20|title=Turkey's Akıncı UCAV passes 20,000-feet altitude test|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkeys-akinci-ucav-passes-20000-feet-altitude-test|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Daily Sabah|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Turkish combat drone passes 20,000-feet altitude test|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/science-technology/turkish-combat-drone-passes-20-000-feet-altitude-test/1947458|access-date=2021-04-27|website=www.aa.com.tr}}
- On 22 August 2020, first prototype exceeded {{convert|30.000|ft|abbr=on}} during flight testing.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-22|title=Bayraktar Akıncı TİHA 30 bin feet'i geçti|url=https://www.haberler.com/bayraktar-akinci-tiha-30-bin-feet-i-gecti-13530459-haberi/|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Haberler.com|language=tr}}{{Cite web|date=2020-08-22|title=AKINCI, 5'inci Uçuşunu Gerçekleştirdi: 30.000 Feet İrtifaya Ulaştı|url=https://www.savunmahaber.com/akinci-5inci-ucusunu-gerceklestirdi-30-000-feet-irtifaya-ulasti/|access-date=2021-04-27|website=savunmahaber.com|language=tr|archive-date=2021-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427070733/https://www.savunmahaber.com/akinci-5inci-ucusunu-gerceklestirdi-30-000-feet-irtifaya-ulasti/|url-status=dead}}
- On 5 September 2020, second prototype conducted high altitude and high speed flight tests.{{Cite web|title=T3 Vakfı Mütevelli Heyeti Başkanı Selçuk Bayraktar: Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA'nın iki prototipini ürettik, üçüncüsü yolda|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/bilim-teknoloji/t3-vakfi-mutevelli-heyeti-baskani-selcuk-bayraktar-bayraktar-akinci-tihanin-iki-prototipini-urettik-ucuncusu-yolda/1964109|access-date=2021-04-27|website=www.aa.com.tr}}
- On 8–9 September 2020, Critical Design Review was conducted.{{Cite web|title=Turkish-made Bayraktar AKINCI receives critical design approval|url=http://www.defensehere.com/eng/defense-industry/turkish-made-bayraktar-akinci-receives-critical-design-approval/75040|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Defense Here Savunma Sanayi Haberleri|date=10 September 2020|archive-date=2021-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427065359/http://www.defensehere.com/eng/defense-industry/turkish-made-bayraktar-akinci-receives-critical-design-approval/75040|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|last=Ekşi|first=Özgür|date=2020-09-10|title=Critical Meeting from AKINCI TİHA|url=https://www.c4defence.com/en/critical-meeting-from-akinci-tiha/|access-date=2021-04-27|website=C4 Defence|language=en-US}}
- On 11 September 2020, second prototype conducted medium altitude system integration flight tests.{{Cite web|title=AKINCI PT-2 Orta İrtifa Sistem Tanımlama Testini başarıyla geçti|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/akinci-pt-2-orta-irtifa-sistem-tanimlama-testini-basariyla-gecti-6304607|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Milliyet|date=12 September 2020 |language=tr}}
- On 3 October 2020, second prototype 2 conducted asymmetric thrust tests.{{Cite web|title=Akıncı TİHA büyük güne bir adım daha yaklaştı!|url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/galeri/akinci-tiha-buyuk-gune-bir-adim-daha-yaklasti-6321060|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Milliyet|date=3 October 2020 |language=tr}}
- On 13 March 2021, Bayraktar Akıncı prototype 2 conducted its advanced system integration flight tests.{{Cite web|title=Akinci PT-2: A new addition to Turkey's drone inventory|url=https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/akinci-pt-2-a-new-addition-to-turkey-s-drone-inventory-45017|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Akinci PT-2: A new addition to Turkey's drone inventory|language=en}}
- On 27 March 2021, Bayraktar Akıncı prototype 3 conducted its maiden flight.{{Cite web|last=SABAH|first=DAILY|date=2021-03-28|title=Turkey's Akıncı combat drone's 3rd prototype completes maiden flight|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkeys-akinci-combat-drones-3rd-prototype-completes-maiden-flight|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Daily Sabah|language=en-US}}
- On 10 April 2021, Bayraktar Akıncı prototype 3 conducted its medium altitude system integration flight tests.{{Cite web|title=Turkey's Akinci Third Prototype Clears Medium Altitude System Identification Test|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29321/Turkey___s_Akinci_Third_Prototype_Clears_Medium_Altitude_System_Identification_Test|access-date=2021-04-27|website=www.defenseworld.net|archive-date=2021-04-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412180135/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29321/Turkey___s_Akinci_Third_Prototype_Clears_Medium_Altitude_System_Identification_Test|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|last=SABAH|first=DAILY|date=2021-04-11|title=Turkey's cutting-edge Akıncı drone passes another test|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkeys-cutting-edge-akinci-drone-passes-another-test|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Daily Sabah|language=en-US}}
- On 13 April 2021, Bayraktar Akıncı prototype 3 conducted its high altitude and high speed flight tests.{{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=AKINCI'da testlere devam ediliyor|url=https://haber.aero/savunma/akincida-testlere-devam-ediliyor/|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Haber Aero {{!}} Havacılık, Turizm ve Savunma haberleri|language=tr}}
- On 22 April 2021, Bayraktar Akıncı conducted its first firing tests.{{Cite web|title=Turkish Akinci Drone's First Firing of Roketsan Smart Munitions|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29422/Turkish_Akinci_Drone___s_First_Firing_of_Roketsan_Smart_Munitions#.YIe6lS1h1QI|access-date=2021-04-27|website=www.defenseworld.net|archive-date=2021-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427071822/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29422/Turkish_Akinci_Drone___s_First_Firing_of_Roketsan_Smart_Munitions#.YIe6lS1h1QI|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|last=Sabah|first=Daily|date=2021-04-22|title=Turkey's Akıncı UCAV hits targets with latest Roketsan munitions|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkeys-akinci-ucav-hits-targets-with-latest-roketsan-munitions|access-date=2021-04-27|website=Daily Sabah|language=en-US}}
- On 19 May 2021, the first serial produced Bayraktar Akıncı conducted its maiden flight{{cite tweet |last=Bayraktar |first=Selçuk |author-link=Selçuk Bayraktar |user=Selcuk |number=1395002521815552005 |date=19 May 2021 |title=#19MAYIS ruhuyla... Seri üretimin ilk uçağı olan Bayraktar #AKINCI S-1 bugün ilk uçuş testini başarıyla tamamladı. #MilliTeknolojiHamlesi ✈️🐳🚀🌍🇹🇷 https://t.co/tVWqkJSpTu |language=tr |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522095024/https://twitter.com/selcuk/status/1395002521815552005 |archive-date=22 May 2021 |url-status=live}}
- On 7 July 2021, Bayraktar Akıncı set the new national flight altitude record of Turkey by cruising at {{convert|38,039|ft|m}} for 25 hours and 46 minutes at a distance of 7,507 km {{Cite web|title=Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA'dan irtifa rekoru|url=https://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/bayraktar-akinci-tihadan-irtifa-rekoru-594331.html|access-date=2021-07-08|website=www.trthaber.com|language=tr}}
- On 10 July 2021, Bayraktar Akıncı conducted a 13 hours and 24 minute long flight with 1360 kg payload. During the flight Akıncı was equipped with the NEB bunker buster bomb developed by TUBITAK SAGE. Marking the heaviest bomb ever carried by an UCAV{{Cite web|title=Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA 1.360 kilogram faydalı yükle 13 saat 24 dakika uçtu|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/bayraktar-akinci-tiha-1360-kilogram-faydali-yukle-13-saat-24-dakika-uctu/2300276|access-date=2021-07-10|website=www.aa.com.tr}}
- On 29 August 2021, the first three units were delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces{{cite news |last1=Kurunç |first1=Kamer |title=Baykar Savunma Kaç Adet AKINCI TİHA Teslim Etti? |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/baykar-savunma-kac-adet-akinci-tiha-teslim-etti/ |access-date=31 August 2021 |publisher=Savunma Sanayi ST |date=30 August 2021}}
- On 24 December 2021, two units were delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces{{cite news |title=AKINCI Taarruzi İnsansız Hava Aracı Teslimatları Devam Ediyor |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/akinci-taarruzi-insansiz-hava-araci-teslimatlari-devam-ediyor/ |access-date=24 December 2021 |publisher=SavunmaSanayiST |date=24 December 2021}}
- On 23 January 2022, first export agreement of Bayraktar Akıncı was announced
- On 13 February 2022, Bayraktar Akıncı conducted its first combat mission{{cite news |title=AKINCI TİHA "Combat Proven" Oldu |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/akinci-tiha-combat-proven-oldu/ |access-date=13 February 2022 |publisher=SavunmaSanayiST |date=13 February 2022}}
- On 2 March 2022, second export agreement of Bayraktar Akıncı was announced
- On 2 March 2022, the Baykar announced that the Bayraktar AKINCI-B version with twin {{cvt|750|hp|kW}} engines completed its maiden flight {{Cite web |title=Turkish combat drone Bayraktar Akinci B successfully tested |url=https://www.baykartech.com/en/press/turkish-combat-drone-bayraktar-akinci-b-successfully-tested/ |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=Baykar |language=en}}
- On 21 May 2022, the Bayraktar AKINCI crossed 3 countries (Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan), flying approximately 2000 km.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-21 |title=Üç Ülkeyi Uçarak Geçen Bayraktar AKINCI Azerbaycan'da |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/uc-ulkeyi-ucarak-gecen-bayraktar-akinci-azerbaycanda/ |access-date=2022-05-22 |language=tr}}
- On 14 June 2022, the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) has successfully completed its first firing test from 30 kilometers away with the KGK-SIHA-82 (Winged Guidance Kit) ammunition.{{Cite web |title=AKINCI TİHA'dan hedefe tam isabet |url=https://www.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2022/06/16/akinci-tihadan-hedefe-tam-isabet |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=Sabah |language=tr}}
- On 21 June 2022, the Bayraktar AKINCI B Variant took off to carry out endurance, high altitude and high speed tests, The B Variant rose to an altitude of {{convert|45,118|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} within the scope of the test, returned to Bayraktar AKINCI Flight, Training and Test Center at Çorlu Airport Command after 20 hours and 23 minutes of flight.{{Cite web|date=2022-06-22 |title=Bayraktar AKINCI-B'den Yeni İrtifa Rekoru {{!}} SavunmaSanayiST |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/bayraktar-akinci-bden-yeni-irtifa-rekoru/ |access-date=2022-06-23 |language=tr}}
- On 1 July 2022, the Bayraktar AKINCI carried out a test firing with the LGK-82 (Laser Guidance Kit), developed by ASELSAN, Flying with an altitude of 30 thousand feet, the target was laser-marked by Bayraktar TB2 SİHA, The LGK-82 was Launched from UAV for the first time.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-02 |title=AKINCI TİHA'dan Başarılı LGK-82 Atışı {{!}} SavunmaSanayiST |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/akinci-tihadan-basarili-lgk-82-atisi/ |access-date=2022-07-03 |language=tr}}
- On 3 August 2022, three units were delivered to the Turkish Air Force{{cite news |title=3 Akıncı İHA görevde |url=https://www.trthaber.com/videolar/3-akinci-iha-gorevde-64326.html |access-date=3 August 2022 |publisher=TRT Haber |date=3 August 2022}}
- On 24 August 2022, three additional units were delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces, bringing the number of drones operated by Turkey to 12{{cite news |title=3 more 'Bayraktar Akıncı' entered the Air Force inventory |url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/3-adet-bayraktar-akinci-daha-hava-kuvvetleri-envanterine-girdi-6812706 |access-date=28 August 2022 |publisher=Milliyet |date=24 August 2022 |quote="A total of 12 Akıncıs are on duty."}}
- On 22 February 2024, Akıncı equipped with ASELFLIR-500 shot a mobile Albatros USV.{{cite news |title=ASELFLIR-500 ile vurdu. |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/bayraktar-akinci-c-ilk-ucusunu-gerceklestirdi-devlesti/ |access-date=24 February 2024 |publisher=SavunmaSanayiST |date=24 February 2024}}
- On 24 February 2024, Akıncı C variant successfully carried out its first flight test with two 850 HP engines.
- On 1 March 2025 Akıncı equipped with MURAD Aesa radar made its first maiden flight.{{Cite web |title=Bayraktar AKINCI, MURAD AESA Radarı ile ilk uçuşunu gerçekleştirdi |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/savunma-sanayisi/bayraktar-akinci-murad-aesa-radari-ile-ilk-ucusunu-gerceklestirdi/3497021 |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}
Operators
= Current operators =
{{flag|Turkey}}
- Turkish Land Forces – 8+ operational.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-24 |title=BAYKAR'dan İkinci Parti AKINCI Teslimatı {{!}} SavunmaSanayiST |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/baykardan-ikinci-parti-akinci-teslimati/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |language=tr}}
- Turkish Air Force – 6+ operational.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-01 |title=Bayraktar TB2 24 ülkeye ihraç ediliyor |url=https://www.trthaber.com/haber/ekonomi/bayraktar-tb2-24-ulkeye-ihrac-ediliyor-705530.html |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=www.trthaber.com |language=tr}}
- National Intelligence Organization (MIT) - 1 operational.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-24 |title=BAYKAR'dan İkinci Parti AKINCI Teslimatı {{!}} SavunmaSanayiST |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/baykardan-ikinci-parti-akinci-teslimati/ |access-date=2023-01-07 |language=tr}}
{{Flag|Pakistan}}
- Pakistan Air Force – 6-7 Akıncı UAVs delivered during the first half of 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-06 |title=Game of Drones: Pakistani pilots operating Turkish-made Akıncı UCAVs get shiny new patch |url=https://www.yenisafak.com/en/technology/game-of-drones-pakistani-pilots-operating-turkish-made-akinci-ucavs-get-shiny-new-patch-3663034 |access-date=2023-04-06 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=PakDefOSINT |date=2023-12-09 |title=BREAKING: #PakistanAirForce is believed to have received the first batch of 6-7 #AKINCI UCAVs during the first half of 2023. Under a contract disclosed by Haluk BAYRAKTAR, General Manager of BAYKAR TECH, in a statement to Anadolu Agency reporter in January 2022, the #PAF acquired a large number of BAYRAKTAR #TB2 & AKINCI UCAVS from Türkiye. PAF being the first export customer of AKINCI-B configuration with 2x 750 hp engines. |url=https://twitter.com/PakDefTeam/status/1733264018775638246?s=20 |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Türkiye has an Opportunity to Establish JVs in Pakistan and Make Use of the Low-Cost Labor Available in Pakistan |url=https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/turkiye-has-an-opportunity-to-establish-jvs-in-pakistan-and-make-use-of-the-low-cost-labor-available-in-pakistan-5813 |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=www.defenceturkey.com}}
{{Flag|Libya}}
- Libyan Air Force – At least 1 Akıncı delivered. In late May 2023, Libyan prime minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, shared footage from a counter smuggling operations with an Akıncı.{{Cite tweet|last=AlDabaiba|first=Abdulhamid|author-link=Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh|user=Dabaibahamid|number=1664365500200042501|script-title=ar:نؤكد مرة أخرى أن #العملية العسكرية تستهدف تحييد المجرمين المتورطين في إهدار أموال #الليبيين؛ بتهريب الوقود، والضالعين في عمليات إجرامية منظمة تتجاوز الحدود. #ليبيا #عودة_الحياة #لن_نخذلكم #الدبيبة|trans-title=We affirm once again that the #military operation aims to neutralize the criminals involved in wasting #Libyans' money; fuel smuggling, and those involved in organized criminal operations that transcend borders. #Libya #Back to life #We will not let you down #Al-Dabaiba|language=ar|access-date=23 July 2017|link=https://twitter.com/Dabaibahamid/status/1664365500200042501}}
{{Flag|Ethiopia}}{{cite web |date= 2023-11-15|access-date=2023-12-17|title=Akıncı UCAS for Ethiopia|url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/ak-nc-ucas-for-ethiopia}}
{{Flag|Azerbaijan}}{{cite web |date=26 May 2022 |title=Azerbaycan'a Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA İhracatı! |url=https://www.defenceturk.net/azerbaycana-bayraktar-akinci-tiha-ihracati}}{{cite web |date=9 February 2024 |title=Azerbaijan purchases Akinci attack UAVs from Turkiye |url=https://www.azernews.az/nation/221520.html}}
{{Flag|Burkina Faso}}{{cite web |date=8 April 2024 |title=Azerbaycan'a Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA İhracatı! |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/burkina-fasoda-akinci-tiha-donemi-basladi/}}{{cite web |date=8 April 2024 |title=AKINCI TİHA era started in Burkina Faso |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/burkina-fasoda-akinci-tiha-donemi-basladi/}}
{{Flag|Mali}}{{cite web|access-date=27 November 2024 |date=27 November 2024 |lang=fr |title=Une Armée Malienne Plus Forte : L'Acquisition des Drones AKINCI, Gage de Sécurité |url=https://bamada.net/une-armee-malienne-plus-forte-lacquisition-des-drones-akinci-gage-de-securite}} 2{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=Mali Acquires AKINCI UCAVs {{!}} TURDEF |url=https://turdef.com/article/mali-acquires-akinci-ucavs |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=turdef.com |language=en}} Akıncı-A UAVs delivered.
{{Flag|United Arab Emirates}}{{cite tweet |access-date=31 December 2024 |user=BaykarTech |number=1874538328093233258 |title=2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ #BAYKAR ✈️ 🗓️ ARALIK I DECEMBER}}
On December 31, 2024, Baykar announced delivery of Akıncı to the UAE in its official X page without any further details.
= Future operators =
During the visit of the Turkish president to Indonesia in February 2025, a contract to acquire 9 Akinci drones was signed.{{Cite news |last=Avcioglu |first=Mucahithan |date=12 February 2025 |title=Türkiye's Bayraktar drones set to be exported to Indonesia|url= https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/turkiyes-bayraktar-drones-set-to-be-exported-to-indonesia/3480051 |access-date=2025-02-12|website= Anadolu Haber Ajansi|language=English}}
Specifications
{{primary sources|section|date=January 2022}}
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= Baykar Technology [https://baykartech.com/en/uav/bayraktar-akinci/]
|prime units?=met
|capacity=1300 kg (3307 lb)
|length m=12.2
|length note=
|span m=20
|span note=
|height m=4.1
|height note=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=5500
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=unspecified Jet-A1 or JP-8 fuel capacity
|more general=
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name= Ivchenko-Progress Motor Sich AI-450T
|eng1 type=turboprop engines for A variant
|prop blade number=5
|prop name=composite constant-speed propeller
|prop dia m=
|prop dia note=
|max speed kts= 195
|max speed kmh=
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts= 150
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=7500{{Cite web|url=https://baykardefence.com/news-Turkish-Akinci-combat-drone-sets-new-national-aviation-record.html|title=BAYKAR Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems|access-date=2021-07-10|archive-date=2021-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004130255/https://baykardefence.com/news-Turkish-Akinci-combat-drone-sets-new-national-aviation-record.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite tweet|number=1413172169652191237|user=Baykar_Savunma|title=🚨Bayraktar #AKINCI TİHA, 38.039 feet irtifaya çıkarak Türk havacılık tarihinin irtifa rekorunu kırdı. İlk kez mill… |date=8 July 2021}}
|range note=Traveled 7507 Kilometers in latest test.
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=25 hours
|ceiling m=13,716
|ceiling note=
|g limits=
|roll rate=
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|more performance=
- Operational altitude: {{cvt|30000|ft|m|order=flip}}
|hardpoints=8, with provisions to carry
- Rockets
- CIRIT
- Missiles
- Air-to-air missiles
- GÖKTUĞ missile program
- Akdoğan
- Bozdoğan
- Gökdoğan
- Gökhan
- Air-to-surface missiles
- AKBABA {{cite web|url=https://militaryleak.com/2021/07/11/turkish-company-roketsan-develops-akbaba-high-speed-anti-radiation-missile/|title=Turkish Company Roketsan Develops Akbaba High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile|date=11 July 2021|access-date=31 August 2021|archive-date=7 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207212736/https://militaryleak.com/2021/07/11/turkish-company-roketsan-develops-akbaba-high-speed-anti-radiation-missile/|url-status=dead}}
- Çakır{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/03/turkish-roketsan-introduces-new-antiship-missile-family-cakir/ |title=Turkish Roketsan Introduces New Antiship Missile Family "ÇAKIR"|date=31 March 2022}}
- SOM
- TRG-230-İHA{{cite web |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/bilim-teknoloji/turkiyenin-ilk-havadan-karaya-supersonik-fuzesi-trg-230-iha-hedefi-tam-isabetle-vurdu/2765922# |title=Türkiye'nin ilk havadan karaya süpersonik füzesi TRG-230-iHA hedefi tam isabetle vurdu|date=16 December 2022}}
- TUBITAK-SAGE KUZGUN-TJ{{Cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/idef-2021-turkish-darpa-targets-live-tests-kuzgun/|title=IDEF 2021: 'Turkish DARPA' targets live tests for Kuzgun | Shephard|website=www.shephardmedia.com}}
- TUBITAK-SAGE KUZGUN-KY
- TUBITAK-SAGE KUZGUN-ER (According to TUBITAK-SAGE, this missile will be equivalent to Penguin Missile.){{cite web |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/tubitak-sageden-milli-penguin-kuzgun-er/ | language=tr |title=TÜBİTAK-SAGE'den Milli Penguin: KUZGUN-ER| date=20 March 2022 }}
- TUBITAK-SAGE KUZGUN-EW{{cite web |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/tubitak-sageden-milli-penguin-kuzgun-er/ | language=tr |title=KUZGUN'un Elektronik Harp Konfigürasyonu: KUZGUN-EW| date=20 March 2022 }}
- UMTAS
- Bombs
- Teber-81 (Mark 81 bomb w/ ROKETSAN Laser Guidance Kit)
- HGK-82 (Mark 82 bomb w/ TUBITAK-SAGE Precision Guidance Kit)
- KGK-82 (Mark 82 bomb w/ TUBITAK-SAGE Wing Assisted Guidance Kit)
- Teber-82 (Mark 82 bomb w/ ROKETSAN Laser Guidance Kit)
- HGK-83 (Mark 83 bomb w/ TUBITAK-SAGE Precision Guidance Kit)
- KGK-83 (Mark 83 bomb w/ TUBITAK-SAGE Wing Assisted Guidance Kit)
- HGK-84 (Mark 84 bomb w/ TUBITAK-SAGE Precision Guidance Kit)
- LHGK-84 (Mark 84 bomb w/ TUBITAK-SAGE Laser Sensitive Guidance Kit)
- TUBITAK-SAGE TOGAN{{Cite web|title=TURKISH DEFENCE INDUSTRY PRODUCT CATALOGUE|url=https://www.ssb.gov.tr/urunkatalog/en/208/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=www.ssb.gov.tr|archive-date=2021-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414004330/https://www.ssb.gov.tr/urunkatalog/en/208/|url-status=dead}} Rack of four 81 mm mortars (GPS/INS or unguided){{Cite web|last=Mehmet|first=Fatih|date=2020-01-23|title=Asisguard ve Tübitak Sage TOGAN'ı SONGAR'a entegre etti|url=https://www.defenceturk.net/asisguard-ve-tubitak-sageden-toganli-songar|access-date=2021-04-14|website=DefenceTurk|language=tr}}{{cite tweet |author=miguyan2000🚀 |user=miguyan2000 |number=1101018466113515521 |date=28 February 2019 |title=TÜBİTAK SAGE Togan https://t.co/8rynjPtONO |language=en |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414004331/https://twitter.com/miguyan2000/status/1101018466113515521 |archive-date=14 April 2021 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=IDEF 2021: Tübitak Sage displays Togan air launched mortar munition {{!}} IDEF 2021 News Official Online Show Daily Media Partner {{!}} Defence security exhibitions 2021 show daily news category {{!}} Defense & Security Exhibitions Archives |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/idef_2021_news_official_online_show_daily_media_partner/idef_2021_tubitak_sage_displays_togan_air_launched_mortar_munition.html |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=www.armyrecognition.com |date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=2023-03-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315134232/https://www.armyrecognition.com/idef_2021_news_official_online_show_daily_media_partner/idef_2021_tubitak_sage_displays_togan_air_launched_mortar_munition.html |url-status=dead }}
- TUBITAK-SAGE KUZGUN-SS Glide bomb
- Aselsan TOLUN Miniature Bomb (MB){{cite web |url=https://gagadget.com/en/uav/194030-bayraktar-akinci-used-tolun-for-the-first-time-the-drone-destroyed-the-target-from-an-altitude-of-8-km-at-a-distance-/ |title=Bayraktar Akinci used TOLUN for the first time - the drone destroyed the target from an altitude of 8 km at a distance of 30 km.}}
- SARB-83 Bunker buster
- NEB-84 Bunker buster{{cite web |url=https://www.raillynews.com/2021/07/Bayraktar-Akinci-tiha-1-with-360-kg-useful-load-flew-in-13-hours-and-24-minutes/ |title=Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA flew 1.360 hours and 13 minutes with a useful load of 24 kg|work=RayHaber | RaillyNews |date=11 July 2021 |last1=Haber |first1=Ray }}
- TUBITAK-SAGE BOZOK{{Cite web|last=Bekdil|first=Burak Ege|date=8 August 2017|title=Turkish Defense Industry Begins Mass Production of BOZOK Laser-Guided Munitions For Drones|url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/06/15/turkish-defense-industry-begins-mass-production-of-bozok-laser-guided-munitions-for-drones/|website=Overt Defense}}
- MAM-C
- MAM-L
- MAM-T
|avionics=
- National AESA Radar (MURAD)
- Aselsan Common Aperture Targeting System
- Electronic Warfare Pod
- National SIGINT module
|eng1 hp=450|eng2 hp=750|eng3 hp=850|eng2 type=turboprop engines for B variant|eng2 name=PT6A-135A|eng3 name=Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|eng3 type=turboprop engines for C variant|eng2 number=2|eng3 number=2}}
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/akinci-tiha-ilk-ucus-testini-gerceklestirdi/1666269 |newspaper=Anadolu News Agency |title=Akıncı TİHA, ilk uçuş testini gerçekleştirdi |date=6 December 2019 |language=tr |access-date=7 December 2019 }}
}}
{{commons category|Bayraktar Akıncı}}
Category:Twin-turboprop tractor aircraft
Category:Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles