Bayraktar TB1 (Çaldıran)

Bayraktar TB1 or Bayraktar Çaldıran is an unmanned aerial vehicle prototype developed by Baykar. The platform was produced for the Tactical UAS program launched by the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries in 2007. Bayraktar TB1 laid the foundational features for the later-developed Bayraktar TB2 and served as a technological precursor. The experience gained during this process was effectively utilized in the design and production of the Bayraktar TB2.

Development Process

Following successes in mini-UAV development projects in 2007, Baykar initiated efforts to develop a larger-scale unmanned aerial vehicle system. Within this framework, the company developed the Bayraktar TB1 (Çaldıran) project, the first tactical-class unmanned aerial vehicle. Bayraktar TB1 successfully completed its first flight in 2009 and finished all flight tests within the same year.

In 2010, the Defense Industry Executive Committee tasked the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries with procuring twelve tactical-class UAVs. The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries invited two companies to compete in the prototype demonstration phase of the Tactical UAS Program. Kale-Baykar, a joint venture between Kale Group and Baykar Technology, presented the A Block version — equipped with a dual-redundant avionics system and full autonomous takeoff and landing capability — under the name Bayraktar Çaldıran in 2009. The vehicle was selected as the program’s winner. Subsequently, the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries began contract negotiations with Kale-Baykar. Negotiations initiated in early 2010 concluded in December 2011 with the signing of the contract. However, the prolonged negotiation process caused delays in the integration of the UAVs into the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces.

Following the contract, Kale-Baykar rapidly commenced UAV production efforts. Although the contract was signed for the Bayraktar TB1, the company further advanced the technology during this period, elevating the UAV from the tactical class to the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class. As a result, the Bayraktar TB2 emerged as a significantly more advanced UAV incorporating innovations built upon the TB1. While the TB1 had a wingspan of 9 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 450 kg, the TB2’s wingspan was extended to 12 meters and its total takeoff weight exceeded 700 kg. Ultimately, on 22 November 2014, six Bayraktar TB2s were delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces.

Chronological Timeline

08 June 2009: The Bayraktar PT 1 Çaldıran tactical unmanned aerial vehicle completed its first flight.

26 September 2009: The Bayraktar Tactical UAS was tested for automatic takeoff and payload control.

02 October 2009: Bayraktar TB1 Çaldıran demonstrated automatic takeoff and landing.

2010: The Defense Industry Executive Committee decided to task the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries with procuring twelve tactical UAVs.

28 June 2010: The Bayraktar TB1 Çaldıran was prepared for series production.

2010: The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries began negotiations with Kale-Baykar.

20 December 2011: A contract was signed between the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries and Kale-Baykar.

22 November 2014: Six Bayraktar TB2s (an improved version of the Bayraktar TB1) were delivered to Turkish Security Forces.

Place in Turkish Defense Industry

The Bayraktar TB1 was one of the first major milestones in Türkiye’s unmanned aerial vehicle technology, successfully completing its flight tests in 2009. Its most notable feature was its autonomous takeoff and landing capability, which was unprecedented globally at the time. This innovation positioned Türkiye among the leading nations in global UAV technology and demonstrated its engineering and domestic production capabilities.

Despite limited production and a short operational service life, the Bayraktar TB1 demonstrated Türkiye’s potential for technological advancement and paved the way for advanced projects such as the Bayraktar TB2. This project is remembered in history as a symbol of Türkiye’s determination to produce innovative and sustainable technologies.