Bayraktar KIZILELMA Unmanned Combat Aircraft System

Bayraktar KIZILELMA is an unmanned combat aircraft under development by Baykar Tech. After KIZILELMA’s first flight in December 2022, test flights and system integration efforts continue with the aim of readying KIZILELMA for active service in 2025.

The design is notable for being optimized for air-to-air combat with features such as high manueverability provided by canards, low observable structure, AESA radar and the ability to carry air-to-air missiles. Aside from air-to-air capabilities; KIZILELMA will also be able to perform SEAD/DEAD, close air support, strategic stike and SIGINT/ELINT missions thanks to a wide range of air-to-surface munitions and integrated EOTS to be available.

Currently three configurations are planned: KIZILELMA-A (Fitted with non-afterburning AI-25TLT turbofan), KIZILELMA-B (Fitted with afterburning AI-322F turbofan) and KIZILELMA-C (Twin engined variant with AI-322F turbofans).

Infographic citing the possible changes throughout the development of KIZILELMA configurations

KIZILELMA is projected to be able to take off from short runway ships such as LHDs and small aircraft carriers such as TCG ANADOLU. This can be credited to its wing load which is significantly lower than manned fighters. If not for the current variant KIZILELMA-A using non-afterburning AI-25TLT turbofan engine, this capability would be possible for later versions B and C to use the afterburning AI-322F engine which provides significantly greater thrust compared to AI-25TLT even in dry mode.

Technical Specifications
Communication	LOS & BLOS
Cruise Speed	0.6 Mach*
Maximum Operational Altitude	35000 ft*
Payload	1.5 tons*
Armamament	Free-fall Guided Bombs, Air-to-Surface missiles, Air-to-Air Missiles
Engine	KIZILELMA-A: 1x AI-25TLT (16.5 kN dry thrust) KIZILELMA-B: 1x AI-322F (24.5 kN dry thrust/41 kN with afterburner) turbofan engine KIZILELMA-C: 2x AI-322F turbofan engines
Takeoff and Landing	Automatic
MTOW	6 tons*
Endurance	5 hours*