The Turkish-made Kızılelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle has successfully tested firing munitions from its internal fuselage, enhancing its stealth and operational capabilities.
Key facts
- •The Kızılelma successfully struck ground targets during firing exercises using its internal weapon station.
- •The aircraft can carry up to eight Tolun munitions internally using two Sadak 4T multi-launcher pods.
- •Internal weapon carriage is designed to reduce radar cross-section and thermal signatures to delay enemy detection.
- •The UCAV features advanced avionics, including an AESA radar and an infrared search and track (IRST) system.
- •Baykar has signed an export contract for the Kızılelma with Indonesia, marking its first international sale.
Türkiye has successfully conducted firing tests of its Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), utilizing its internal weapon station to strike ground targets. The jet-powered aircraft, designed as a multi-role fighter, demonstrated the ability to carry and launch smart munitions from within its fuselage. This configuration is intended to minimize the aircraft's radar cross-section and thermal signature, providing tactical advantages over platforms with external weapon pylons.
Stealth and Operational Advantages
By housing munitions internally, the Kızılelma reduces the 'reflector' effect caused by external pylons and fuel tanks, which typically makes aircraft easier to detect by enemy radar. The design also helps mitigate thermal signatures generated by friction at high speeds, allowing the UCAV to remain more effectively concealed. These features, combined with an infrared search and track (IRST) system, allow the aircraft to detect and engage adversaries while maintaining a low profile.
Weapon Systems and Multi-Launcher Capability
During recent tests, the Kızılelma utilized the Aselsan-developed Sadak 4T pod, which allows a single pylon to carry four munitions. By housing two of these launchers internally, the aircraft can carry up to eight Tolun munitions, which can be configured with armor-piercing or concrete-penetrating warheads. The tests successfully validated the use of both smart munitions and multi-smart munition pods from the internal bay.
Strategic Development and International Interest
The Kızılelma is equipped with advanced avionics, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and an embedded electro-optical system. While other nations have developed UCAVs with internal bays, the Kızılelma is described as a unique platform due to its specific configuration and fighter-jet-like capabilities. Baykar has signed an export contract for the Kızılelma with Indonesia, though the company plans to prioritize the Turkish Armed Forces before supplying strategic allies.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Daily Sabah.
