AKSUNGUR UCAV

AKSUNGUR is a high-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle system developed by Türk Aviation and Space Industries (TUSAŞ). Thanks to its advanced technological systems and flexible mission profile, AKSUNGUR is positioned as one of Türkiye’s most significant unmanned aerial vehicles, providing strategic advantages through a broad range of military and civilian applications. This medium-altitude, long-endurance system is capable of conducting continuous day-and-night intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions. Equipped with EO/IR, SAR and SIGINT payloads, AKSUNGUR enhances its operational capabilities with various air-to-ground weapon systems. Powered by two twin-turbocharged diesel engines, it enables prolonged operations up to 40,000 feet.

November 2023 marked the first flight of AKSUNGUR with the national TEI-PD170 engine. During tests with this engine, the system reached an altitude of 30,000 feet and remained airborne for 41 hours. AKSUNGUR is the longest-endurance UAV in its class globally and offers strategic advantages with a 750 kg payload capacity. Additionally, AKSUNGUR completed a 28-hour flight at an altitude of 20,000 feet, fully loading all six weapon stations with 12 MAM-L munitions. This aircraft, suitable for both military and civilian applications, is effectively employed in search and rescue and damage assessment missions during natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and fires.

^{AKSUNGUR UAV -} TUSAŞ

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 maritime patrol missions, it can carry a 750 kg external payload and perform missions 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 UAV -} TUSAŞ

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. This wide range of armaments provides AKSUNGUR with high operational effectiveness across diverse mission scenarios. Additionally, it can be equipped with specialized payloads tailored for maritime patrol missions.

^{TEBER MUNITIONS -} ROKETSAN

AKSUNGUR is equipped with a redundant and autonomous flight control system. Dual-redundant computers, flight control sensors and actuator systems 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 position data sources—the Radar Tracking System and the DGPS System—ensuring high reliability.

^{AKSUNGUR UAV -} TUSAŞ

The electrical generation and distribution system consists of alternators driven by the engines and batteries. In the event of alternator failure, critical systems are powered by batteries to ensure a 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 UAV -} TUSAŞ

Designed with emergency response capabilities, AKSUNGUR can land at the nearest airfield if it cannot return to its base of departure. In the event of communication link loss, it can autonomously return to its launch base and execute a safe landing. Retractable and stowable landing gear allows 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.