Bayraktar Akinchi - the nightmare of Turkish Opponents

Jobair Tuaha

In just a few decades, the warrior nation Turks reached the peak of prosperity in military engineering. Their discoveries one after the other are surprising the world time and again.

Following this, the Turks have unveiled the state-of-the-art combat UCAV Bayraktar Akinci to the world. Their enviable success in drone technology is not new. Turks continue to show their glory on the world stage.

The article is about Bayraktar Akinchi manufactured by the well-known Turkish company Baykar which currently holds the leadership seat in combat UAV technology.

Bayraktar Akinchi in action
Image credit: Baykar Technologies

The Bayraktar Akinci UAV is a long-range unmanned aerial combat vehicle, also known as the Baykar Makina, manufactured by Turkish drone manufacturer company Baykar.

The Bayraktar Akinci Drone is becoming Turkey's most powerful and state-of-the-art after Bayraktar TB-2, which is sold in countries around the world including Ukraine, Qatar, Azerbaijan, and Poland.

Byraktar Akinchi is the super update version of Bayraktar TB-2. As claimed by its manufacturing company, the Bayraktar Akinchi is capable of performing on par with fighter jets in combat.

Keeping future needs of aerial warfare, Bayraktar Akinchi has been developed to carry various ammunition. The drone is the successor of the tactical UAV Bayraktar TB-2 drone and this variant is leading the way.

These high-tech unmanned vehicles are mainly made to support fighter jets. These high-tech UAVs are made with air-to-air radar, electronic support systems, anti-jamming radar, synthetic aperture radar, and dual satellite communication.

Development of Akinchi UCAV in Baykar

In September 2019, Baykar Company first showcased the Bayraktar Akinci drone at a space and technology event called Technofest in Istanbul. Its engine test was completed in September first flight test was in December.

It can be used in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. In January 2020, the first prototype PT-1 of the Akinchi drone was flown. In August 2020, its second prototype PT-2 was flown.

The third prototype of the Akinchi drone in Bayarakhtar completed a successful flight test in April 2021.

In the same month, the firing test of the Akinchi drone was successfully completed. During the firing test of the drone, smart laser-guided micro munitions named MAM-T, MAM-C, and MAM-L were used. They are manufactured by Turkish arms manufacturer Rocketsun.

In January 2022, the Baykar Company concluded its first contract for its export.

Bayraktar Akinchi UCAV Design and Features

Bayraktar Akinci has a fault-tolerant system architecture. A fault-tolerant system is an electronic system or network system composed of computers in which the entire system can provide the same service even if one of the components in the network fails.

Moreover, the system can resolve software or logic support issues.

Bayraktar Akinci has cross-radiant ground control station architecture. These are 3D images of any mission conducted by multiple UAVs that can be viewed in real-time by the operator sitting at the ground control station.

Bayraktar's Akinchi drone's wings and structure are designed to increase its payload capacity and can carry a variety of payloads. Operations that can be handled conventionally by fighter jets can be done by Bayraktar Akinchi drones.

This combat drone has a length of 12.2 meters, a height of 4.1 meters, a wingspan of 20 meters, and a maximum take-off weight of 5500 kg.

Maximum take-off weight is the maximum weight an aircraft can land on the runway. It is not affected by anything like weather, landing height, etc.

Bayraktar Akinchi's speed

High speed is a very important factor in any combat UAV. High-speed combat UAVs can monitor a large area in a short period and go into operation immediately. Bayraktar Akinchi is no less in terms of speed.

Its maximum speed is 361 km per hour and cruise speed is 280 km per hour. Its maximum range is 7500 km, but in the latest exercise, it has traveled up to 7507 km.

A combat UAV can overwhelm enemy air defenses due to its speed. Deploying UAVs to replace conventional fighter jets everywhere or in any condition is an important part of military warfare strategy these days.

Because UAVs do not require a separate runway. In adverse weather conditions or at high altitudes where fighter jets cannot be deployed, UAVs can be freely used to complete the operation.

UCAV speed is critically important for real-time operations, precise target locking, quick decision-making, combat support, etc.

Akinchi can fly at a maximum height of 45000 ft or 13716 meters. But its operational height is 9100 meters. A combat UAV with a higher flying height has many advantages.

For example, it can cover a large area, reduce the probability of detection by enemy radar, fire missiles from a certain height destroy enemy targets, etc. Akinchi will get these benefits due to its high operational altitude.

Akinchis engine

Image credit: Baykar Technologies

If there's anything to credit for the Akinci's high speed and so much endurance, it's its engine. Two Ukrainian AI-450T turboprop engines of 750 HP powered the Akinchi. Which makes it more capable and destructive. Its propeller is 5-bladed and made of composite material.

Flight Controls and Avionics of Bayraktar Akinchi

Bayraktar Akinchi drone is equipped with a triple resonant flight control system. What is a triple resonant flight control system? It is a system of integrated three individuals' vibration or resonance which can stabilize an aircraft motion.

An aircraft motion along with Longitudinal axis is controlled by roll resonance. Pitch resonance controls its stabilization of up and down motion by lateral axis. The third one is Yaw resonance which can control an aircraft's vertical motion.

Integration of the three kinds of resonance called triple resonant flight control systems can ensure the crucial performance of Bayraktar Akinchi UCAV.

Image credit: Baykar Technologies

Moreover, due to its dual artificial avionics system, it can be alerted about the signal processing, sensor fusion, and situation in advance and submit everything to the ground control station in real time.

Among the advanced features of the Akinchi drone, There are automatic flight control systems or semi-automatic flight control systems as well as unique flight control and avionics architectures.

The combat UAV is controlled by a satellite developed by Turkey's own technology. Satellite-controlled means the satellite functions as a relay station between the drone and the operator.

Satellite communications for UCAV is the crucial technology for surveillance and remote sensing. For the purpose of long-range operation or patrolling it is used by any highly advanced drone manufacturer company.

Bayraktar Akinchi has state-of-the-art technology to collect and process data from various onboard sensors and cameras.

It has also Artificial intelligence that can determine its functions, including details about its orientation, role-playing capabilities, and more.

Sensor and payload carrying capacity of Bayraktar Akinchi UAV

The drone can carry a payload of 1350 kg with its signal intelligence, multi-mode active electronically scanned array radar or electro-optic/infrared, and laser designation.

Image credit: Baykar Technologies

Another amazing thing about Bayraktar Akinchi is that it is the first combat UAV in the world to use AESA radar.

AESA radar is the super advanced version of a traditional radar system with the power of detection without a moving antenna. This technology is very sophisticated.

AESA radar can able to move its radar beam quickly which can create the advantage of detecting multiple targets quickly in dynamic scenarios. it's too hard to jam AESA radar because of hurriedly changing frequencies.

Above all, this crucial component advanced Akinchis ground strike performance extremely.

Drone signals intelligence is the ability to immediately detect a missile approaching the drone and send information to the ground control station about it. That means Bayraktar Akinchi always being aware of the situation.

Another technology used in Byraktar Akinchi is Laser designation. It is used to hit any type of precision-guided munition like missiles or bombs fired from a UCAV at a pinpoint location.

From a distance of 140 km, the supersonic missile Black Sea manufactured by the Turkish defense giant company Rocketsun successfully hit the target.

The number of the countries Turkey has signed the agreement for the sale of Bayraktar Akinchi

First, Baykar Technology has signed a billion-dollar contract with the Ministry of Defense of Saudi Arabia, the leading country in the Arab world.

According to Byraktar CEO Haluk Bayraktar, it is the largest defense and aviation export for Turkey, and Bayraktar Akinchi will be used in the Saudi Air and Naval Forces.

Another buyer of the Bayraktar Akinchi UAV is Pakistan, the only nuclear-powered in the Muslim world. The country has purchased this cutting-edge combat UAV from Turkey, perhaps to counter its arch-rival India.

A batch of Pakistani pilots have already completed their training on Akinchi drones from Baykar. Pakistan has already received the first batch of Akinchi UAVs.

Another country as its potential buyer is Azerbaijan. African country Libya recently received a delivery of Akinci. Libya will buy a very large number of these UAVs.

However, in recent times Egypt's Ministry of Defense has also shown interest in Bayraktar Akinchi. Primary buyers are Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. But later many more countries will join this queue.

Operations that can be performed with Bayraktar Akinchi

Operations that can be performed with Bayraktar Akinchi. Akinci joined the Turkish Army in 2021. It is currently deployed in counter-terrorism operations.

The type of operation is determined based on the different payload-carrying capacity. Bayraktar Akinchi is one step ahead for its unique wing and body design. It is highly optimized by the Bykar company to carry different types of payloads.

It can be used for simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. Because Bayraktar Akinci has all the equipment a modern fighter jet needs.

Its air-to-air combat capability is widely accepted by any country's navies. Because the Navy is always afraid of air attacks. Enemy maritime patrol aircraft and surveillance UAVs are also not safe due to their air-to-air missiles.

Moreover, it is cost effective so its mission cost is very low.

Operational history

Akinchi's operational history is not so rich yet. Because it has been launched not too long ago. Yet through it all, the Turkish military has conducted some spectacular small-scale operations.

In northern Iraq, the Turkish military conducted successful attacks on various positions and caves of PKK terrorists with Byraktar Akinchi.

Turkey has been in conflict with PKK for a long time. This UAV increased the Turkish military's operational capabilities over their adversaries several times over.

It played a major role during the devastating earthquake in Turkey. It keeps the rescue team constantly updated through data links on earthquake damage detection, rescue operations, etc.

During that time it has logged around 1550 flight hours and has also demonstrated surveillance capabilities.

As far as is known, Akinchi conducted a terrifying operation against the Wagner Group. It is not known how many Akinchi UAVs were involved in the operation. However, an air defense unit of Wagner Group was destroyed in the operation.

Weapons payload of Bayraktar Akinchi

As mentioned earlier, the Bayraktar Akinchi can use a variety of devastating munitions. Most of these are Turkey's locally made missiles and guided bombs. Akinchi can carry weapons at nine hard points.

Keep read also

Here is the list of these payloads at a glance-

Mini Smart Munition, MAM-L. MAM-L is a micro munition and was developed to be fired only from UCAVs and fighter jets. It is highly precision-guided and can hit any type of moving target with pinpoint accuracy.
Mini Smart Munition, MAM-C.
Locally made Turkish Cirit missile. It is a laser-guided missile. Defense giant company Roketsan designed it to destroy any type of vehicle, lightly armored or unarmored.
L-UMTAS Missile, It is an anti-tank missile developed by Roketsan that can hit any static or moving target.
Micro Munitions - Bozok. Its guidance is controlled by a semi-active laser seeker.
MK-81, MK-82, and MK-83 guided bombs, can be launched from a distance of 100 km in all weather conditions. These can be used to complete missions and return without entering enemy territory.
25 km range Bozdogan and 65-100 km range Gokdogan air-to-air missiles.
Indigenously made SOM-A cruise missile which has a range of 250 kilometers.

Bayraktar Akinchi carries Cruise Missile
Image credit : Baykar Technologies

So, it's all about that's UCAV. All things considered, Bayraktar Akinchi is truly going to be a game-changer weapon.

Why is Bayraktar Akinchi a stand-off weapon?

Stand-off weapons are called tactical weapons. In times of war, no developing country can buy or manufacture ammunition at will, except for the superpowers.

But in a full-scale war, an uninterrupted supply of ammunition is crucial. Weapons that can fill this gap are called tactical weapons.

One such stand-off weapon for any country is Bayraktar Akinchi UCAV. It is called a tactical weapon primarily for its SOM cruise missiles.

A very specific definition of a stand off weapon is that the target can be completely eliminated by hitting a specific target with that weapon, but the tactical weapon cannot be neutralized by the defense system deployed to protect the target.

For example, hostile relations exist between Türkiye and Greece.

Then Turkey hit a specific target inside Greece from its own airspace with Akinci UCAVs. But Greece cannot hit Akinchi with their defensive weapons. Such a weapon platform is called a stand-off weapon.

Stand-off weapons can hit any target at sea or on land. In a land battle, Türkiye will be able to hold off its aggressive adversaries across the border with Akinchi.

There is no substitute for a stand-off weapon for the security of any nation. Akinchi is recognized as a tactical weapon for its anti-ship cruise missiles and air-to-air missiles.

Akinchi is a unique solution for any country because of its maritime and anti-ship strike capabilities. Because if a country wants to give a naval blockade to another country, Akinchi will be a life-saving weapon for the affected country.

Akinchi is a super-standard platform for removing blockades by missile fire from a safe distance. 12–16 of Akinchi UCAV are enough to remove naval blockade.

Four Akinchi combat missions flown together can easily destroy four warships of the enemy navy. Again, it is not possible to overrun Akinchi with enemy AWAC planes due to the electronic warfare system.

On the contrary, the enemy's communication system will be jammed. It also has short-range and medium-range air-to-air missiles to attack enemy fighter jets.

That is, it is virtually safe in both the air and surface domains. Imagine a group of assassins flying at an altitude of 30,000 meters with anti-sheep missiles. That assassin not only has the capability to hit the opponent but also has all the arrangements to protect himself.

Which enemy would want to enter such a combat zone?

Akinchi is a stand-off weapon for these reasons.

Bayraktar Akinchi VS Bayraktar TB-2; Complete overview

Theme	Bayraktar Akinchi	Bayraktar TB-2
Payload capacity	1350 kg	150 kg
Maximum Take-off weight	5500 kg	700 kg
Engine 🚂	2 turboprop engine with 1500 HP	1 internal combustion engine with 100 HP
Max. speed	361 km/h	222 km/h
Cruise speed 🚄	280 km/h	130 km/h
Max. operational Range	7500-7507 kilometers	>4000 kilometers
Flight endurance	25 Hours	27 Hours
Max. operational altitude	9100 meters	5486 meters
Flight control system	Triple-redunant	Triple-redunant
Radar	AESA radar Synthetic Aperture Radar Electronic Warfare Signal Intelligence Suit SATCOM radar	AESA radar Aselsan targeting sensor
Unit Cost	US $30 million	US $5-5.5 million

Jobair Tuaha

Hi, I'm Jobair Tuaha, owner of the 'Tech Defense' website. From curiosity of knowing unknown, I'm passionate of writing Tech blog as well as modern Tech Gadgets review. By this attempt, I formed this platform.