“Bayraktar TB3 UAV will be capable of landing and taking off on short-runway deck ships. I foresee that they will revolutionize the battle. Currently, the development of that aircraft continues. We aim to fly it this year.”Stating that they continue to develop the Combat Unmanned Aircraft System MIUS, Bayraktar said, “I hope its prototype will fly in 2023. Our work continues.”
Stating that they used the experience they gained from Akıncı to fly this unmanned fighter, Bayraktar said, “All future fighters will be unmanned. Our work continues to build Turkey’s first unmanned fighter.”
Baykar proposed a jet-powered, single-engine, low-observable, carrier-capable unmanned combat aircraft. According to the engine, it would have subsonic and supersonic versions.
MIUS will have an operational altitude of 40,000 ft (12,000 m). Its maximum take-off weight of 5.5 tons with a payload of 1.5 tons. The MIUS-A will be subsonic with the Ukrainian AI-25TLT engine. The MIUS-B will reach supersonic speed using the Ukrainian AI-322F engine.
Turkey and Ukraine had established Turkey-based Black Sea Shield company in August 2019. Baykar has the majority of shares while Ukrspetsexport has the remaining 49%. Black Sea Shield is expected to manufacture Ukrainian designed engines in Turkey jointly. It was claimed that the intellectual property rights of the engines would also be in Turkey.
According to Ivchenko-Progress briefings, the AI-25TL Turbofan Engine can be used in trainers, light attack aircraft and aircraft with a take-off weight of up to 4,700 kilograms. AI-25TL integrated aircraft include the Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainer and Hongdu JL-8 light attack aircraft. The AI-25TL has been in serial production since 1973.
It is expected that Ivchenko-Progress will develop an AI-25TLT specifically for Turkey over the AI-25TL engine.
Selçuk Bayraktar had previously said in 2021 that the MIUS is expected to fly in 2023. His words about the timing are critical as he does not expect any delay due to the war in Ukraine.
