TAI Baykuş is a radio-controlled tactical unmanned drone designed, developed and built by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) between 2003-2004.

TAI Baykuş
Role Unmanned drone reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition
Manufacturer Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)

Baykuş is the Turkish word for "owl". TAI produces other UAVs named after birds.

Development

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The UAV was developed based on the experience gained by its half-sized model TAI Pelikan.[1]

The shoulder-winged UAV has all composite material airframe with metal twin tail booms. The drone is propelled by two 2-cylinder 2-stroke gasoline engines of type JPX DC320 from France with 2 x 20 hp (15 kW) power. There exist two versions of TAI Baykuş related to propeller configuration, a pusher and a tractor aircraft.[1]

The drone carries a two-axis gimbaled EO/IR camera, which relays its video in real-time telemetry. Its guidance/tracking takes place fully autonomous based on INS/GPS integrated waypoint navigation system. Take off and landing of the drone is accomplished in conventional way on wheels.[1]

Specifications

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Data from TR Defence[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 0
  • Length: 6 m (19 ft 8 in)
  • Wingspan: 7 m (23 ft 0 in)
  • Empty weight: 100 kg (220 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 250 kg (551 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × JPX DC320 2-cylinder two-stroke engine

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 200 km/h (120 mph, 110 kn)
  • Endurance: 12 hr
  • Service ceiling: 4,600 m (15,100 ft)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "An overview of Turkish UAV R&D and production-TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries)". TR Defence. Retrieved 2013-02-03.