AKSUNGUR UAS

AKSUNGUR AKSUNGUR is a high-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle system developed by Turkish Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ). Thanks to its advanced technological capabilities and flexible mission profile, AKSUNGUR is positioned as one of Türkiye’s key unmanned aerial vehicles in the defense industry, offering significant advantages across military and civilian applications. Capable of medium altitude and long endurance flight, it can perform continuous day-and-night intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions. Equipped with EO/IR, SAR and SIGINT payloads, AKSUNGUR enhances its operational effectiveness with various air-to-ground weapon systems. Powered by two twin-turbocharged diesel engines, it enables prolonged operations up to 40,000 feet.

National Engine and Performance

November In 2023, AKSUNGUR completed its first flight with the TEI-PD170 engine. During tests with this engine, it reached an altitude of 30,000 feet and remained airborne for 41 hour hours. AKSUNGUR holds the distinction of being the longest-endurance UAV in its class worldwide and provides strategic advantages with a 750 kg payload capacity. Additionally, AKSUNGUR achieved a 28-hour flight at an altitude of 20,000 feet, fully loading all six stations with 12 MAM-L munitions. This aircraft can be utilized not only for military purposes but also in civilian domains such as earthquake, salt and fire such as search and rescue and detection operations during natural disasters.

AKSUNGUR UAS - TUSAŞ

Physical Characteristics and Capacity

AKSUNGUR has a wingspan of 24 meters and a length of 11.6 meters. This system can remain airborne for up to 50 hours and reach a maximum altitude of 40,000 feet. It has a payload capacity exceeding 750 kg and a maximum takeoff weight of 3,300 kg. It features a link range of more than 250 km and is powered by twin turbocharged PD-170 diesel engines. Each engine delivers 170 horsepower, granting AKSUNGUR long-range and durable flight capabilities. In strike and reconnaissance missions, it can carry a 750 kg external payload and operate for 12 hours at an altitude of 25,000 feet. The weapon stations consist of three bays on each wing with capacities of 500 kg, 300 kg and 150 kg respectively.

AKSUNGUR UAS - TUSAŞ

Weapons and Munitions Options

Weapon options include TEBER-81 (Laser Guided Mk-81), TEBER-82 (Laser-Guided Mk-82), L-UMTAS, MAM-L, Cirit, MAM-C, HGK-3 (Precision Guidance Kit), KGK (82) (Winged Guidance Kit) and Miniature Bomb place. This broad weapons suite enhances AKSUNGUR’s operational effectiveness across diverse mission scenarios. Additionally, it can be equipped with specialized payloads adapted for maritime patrol missions.

TEBER MUNITIONS - ROKETSAN

Autonomous Flight and Security Systems

AKSUNGUR features a redundant and autonomous flight control system. Dual-redundant computers, flight control sensors and control surface actuators enable fully autonomous operations from takeoff to landing. The redundant automatic takeoff and landing system ensures safe takeoff and landing without requiring pilot or operator intervention. The system is supported by two distinct location data sources—Radar Tracking System and DGPS System—to ensure high reliability.

AKSUNGUR UAS - TUSAŞ

Electrical and Communication Systems

The Electricity production and distribution system consists of alternators driven by the engine and batteries. In the event of alternator failure, critical systems are powered by batteries to ensure safe flight termination. Two redundant and encrypted data link systems with high data rates are available. These systems are augmented by a satellite communication system to enable beyond-line-of-sight communication.

AKSUNGUR UAS - TUSAŞ

Emergency Capabilities

Thanks to its developed emergency capabilities, AKSUNGUR can perform an emergency landing at the nearest suitable location if it cannot return to its launch site. In the event of communication loss, it can autonomously return to its launch base and execute a safe landing. Retractable and stowable landing gear allow effective execution of reconnaissance and surveillance missions without obstructing the payload’s field of view. Its ice-prevention capability during mission duration ensures operational continuity under all weather conditions.