// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

Bayraktar TB2

The Bayraktar TB2 is a Turkish-made combat drone designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes with guided munitions. It is known for being relatively inexpensive and highly effective, gaining significant international prominence for its role in conflicts like the Russo-Ukrainian War.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

The Bayraktar TB2 is a Turkish medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Baykar Technology. It is engineered for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and can be armed with MAM-L and MAM-C smart micro munitions for precision air-to-ground strikes, operating with a high degree of autonomy.

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • TB2
  • Bayraktar drone
  • Turkish UCAV
  • Baykar TB2
  • Combat drone
  • Tactical UAV

USAGE NOTE

The TB2's success is often cited as a key example of how affordable, yet capable, drones are changing the dynamics of modern warfare.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Bayraktar TB2.

  • Baykar Technology

    The Turkish defense company that designs, develops, and manufactures the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) and its ground control systems.

  • Roketsan

    A major Turkish weapons manufacturer that produces the precision-guided smart micro munitions (MAM-L and MAM-C) used as the primary armament for the Bayraktar TB2.

  • Aselsan

    A Turkish defense corporation that develops and manufactures the indigenous CATS (Common Aperture Targeting System) electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor turret for the TB2, replacing foreign-supplied systems.

  • TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI)

    A Turkish aerospace engine manufacturer that developed the TEI-PD170, a domestic turboprop engine designed to power Turkish UAVs like the TB2 and its successor, the Akıncı.

  • Ivchenko-Progress

    A Ukrainian state-owned design bureau that develops aircraft engines. Its AI-450 series engines have been used to power later variants of the Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı.

  • L3Harris WESCAM

    A Canadian subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies that manufactured the CMX-15D EO/IR imaging and targeting turrets used on early models of the Bayraktar TB2 before export restrictions were imposed.

  • Rotax

    An Austrian engine manufacturer owned by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). Its Rotax 912 piston engines were used in the initial production models of the Bayraktar TB2.

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