General Atomics, which developed the MQ-9 Reaper, one of the most famous UAVs of the USA, announced that they are working on a new platform. This new aircraft drew attention with its features similar to the Bayraktar TB3, which was announced by Baykar Defense Technical Manager Selçuk Bayraktar in the past months.
It has become clear which countries have received Bayraktar TB2!
The total number of Bayraktar TB2 produced by Baykar since 2014 and how much it has been exported to which countries have been determined.
General Atomics introduced Bayraktar TB3 type SİHA!
From the outside, Bayraktar TB3 looks like a TB2 with a slightly larger volume, stronger and more load-bearing. It also has a specially developed folding wing structure for use on aircraft carriers. General Atomics draws a similar roadmap.
Looking at the sharing, GA is implementing a variant of the MQ-9B Reaper with folding wings and will be named MQ-9B STOL. No further development is expected on the engine and other features. However, it is noteworthy that a flap system was made in accordance with its folding structure.
In the post made by General Atomics, it was said:
MQ-9B STOL, featuring the MQ-9B’s new short takeoff and landing capability. With this evolving capability, the MQ-9B will be the first UAV in its class to enable large deck amphibious takeoff and landing and unlock unlimited potential at sea.
Since both aircraft have not yet exhibited their prototypes, we can compare to a certain extent. For example, the MQ-9B STOL will offer very similar features to other Reaper models. No improvement is expected in terms of speed and load carrying capacity. It will only have a modular structure.
On the other hand, the TB3 will be larger and more advanced in every sense compared to its predecessor. Of course, the artificial intelligence, software and other technologies used in it are expected to be the same. However, there will be an increase in load carrying capacity and speed.
On the other hand, MQ-9 Reaper is a platform closer to AKINCI rather than TB3. But in terms of cost, we can say that the USA has opened the mouth of the purse too much. Because last year, 12 units were sold to Australia for 137 million dollars.
In this case, a rough estimate is that even if the TB3 costs 2 times the TB2, the MQ-9B STOL will still be 10 times more expensive. Let’s say that it seems more capable on paper in terms of features. However, there is no advantage to change the game.
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