The war between Ukraine and Russia has completed its 6th month. Although the advance of Russian troops into Ukraine has been stopped, the line from the east of Kharkov to Donetsk and Crimea in the South is under Russian control.
It is known that Ukraine used more than one UAV at the front to stop this advance. It turned out that one of them is Bayraktar Mini UAV, known for its advanced features. So, what advantages does this aircraft provide compared to its US and Israeli rivals?
Baykar’s tiny bird has outstripped its US and Israeli rivals!
Bayraktar Mini UAV is among the most advanced unmanned aerial vehicles of today, although there is a prejudice about its features due to its size. This vehicle, which made its first flight in 2005 and was included in the TAF inventory in 2007, was developed in partnership with Kale and Baykar.
To date, it has made more than 60 thousand sorties and a total of more than 300 have been produced. It was sold to Qatar for the first time outside Turkey in 2012, becoming the first national aircraft to be sold abroad in the history of the Republic. Of course, it paved the way for vehicles with much more advanced features and sales success, such as Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı.
Bayraktar Akıncı B, which can fly on an F-16, has entered the inventory!
Bayraktar Akıncı B, who managed to break the national altitude record last June, entered the inventory of the TİHA TAF.
Of course, Bayraktar Mini UAV is not the only vehicle of its kind in the market. In fact, many countries, especially the USA and Israel, have dozens of aircraft in this area. However, when we look at the features and detailed comparison table we shared below, it becomes clearer why Ukraine prefers this device.
| Features | Bayraktar Mini UAV | Raven | skylark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country of manufacture/company | Turkey/ Kale-Baykar | USA/ Aerovironment | Israel/ Elbit |
| operational altitude | 600+ m | 150+ m | 300+ m |
| Flying range | 15 km | 7 km | 10 km |
| airtime | 60-80 minutes | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Useful load | EO, IR camera | EO, IR camera | EO, IR camera |
| Departure type | hand shot | hand shot | hand shot |
| Landing type | Parachute / on the fuselage | on body | on body |
| Automatic directional antenna system | Yes – 2 axis steer | no | no |
| GPS connection | INS assisted flight | no | no |
| Automatic Viril, Stall recovery | There is | no | no |
Bayraktar Mini UAV features
- Communication range: 15km
- airtime: 60-80 minutes
- Length and wingspan: 1.2 m – 2 m
- operational altitude: 2000 feet – 600+ m
- Useful load – ISR: Day and night cameras (switchable)
- maximum speed: 30-40 knots, 75km/h
- Takeoff and landing system: Hand shot – on body or parachute
- Thrust type: Brushless electric motor
- Cruising with autopilot
- Joystick assisted semi-automatic flight
- Carbon fiber, kevlar composite construction
Ground Control Station features
- Dimensions: 17 x 35 x 43 cm
- instrument panels
- 10 km communication range with internal antenna
- OYAS system – 20 km communication range
- Weight: 9.9 kg
- 220V AC, 12V DC input
What do you think about this subject? Don’t forget to share your views with us in the comments!