Malazgirt Rotating Wing Mini UAV

Malazgirt Döner Kanat Mini İHA, is a completely indigenous and original unmanned aerial vehicle platform developed by Baykar starting in 2006. Malazgirt, Türkiye's first mini rotary-wing (helicopter-type) unmanned aerial system, was designed to provide an effective solution for reconnaissance, surveillance and target tracking missions.

Malazgirt Mini İHA (Baykar)

The platform, whose development began in 2006, was designed based on feedback from the Turkish Armed Forces operating in the Southeastern region of Türkiye, where counter-terrorism operations were intensively conducted. Malazgirt entered the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces in 2009 and was actively deployed in the region to provide technical support to military personnel. In 2010, the platform was incorporated into the inventory of the General Directorate of Security and began to be used in operational missions.

However, following an accident during an operation involving the Malazgirt Mini İHA, flight permissions were revoked on the grounds of significant software errors. Despite Baykar’s formal commitment to replace all units free of charge, flight permissions were never reinstated and the Malazgirt UAS project was terminated.

The Malazgirt UAS holds a significant place in history as an important component of Türkiye’s vision to develop domestic capabilities and produce independent technologies in its defense industry. The expertise gained during its development paved the way for larger and more strategic projects.

Development Process

The development of the Malazgirt Döner Kanat Mini İHA began after the successful flight demonstration of the Bayraktar Mini İHA on 4 October 2005.^【1】 The year 2006 marked an intensive R&D period during which Malazgirt’s autonomous systems’ software and design capabilities were refined.^【2】 The most distinguishing feature of this project was that the system was developed directly in the operational theater.

Under the leadership of Özdemir Bayraktar, Baykar’s R&D team established a workshop within the 6th Motorized Infantry Brigade in Şırnak to directly optimize the platform for rugged terrain and military requirements. With the initiative and logistical support of the then Brigade Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Melih Gülova, the Malazgirt UAS was tested and matured in the foothills of the Gabar and Cudi Mountains.^【3】

In 2007, a critical technology demonstration was conducted as autonomous flight capabilities were elevated to a higher level.^【4】 During the demonstration in Ankara, two Malazgirt UAS units were flown simultaneously. The success of remote command and control attracted attention. Video feeds from a Malazgirt UAS flying over Istanbul were transmitted in real time to the command center in Ankara, and the aircraft was successfully directed and controlled from there.

In mid-2007, it was announced that the Turkish Armed Forces would use the Malazgirt UAS^【5】 and in 2008, the production phase of the Malazgirt Döner Kanat Mini İHA commenced.^【6】 Four Malazgirt Mini İHAs ordered by the Turkish Armed Forces in December 2008 were delivered after passing acceptance tests in June 2009 with a report of "complete and flawless" performance.^【7】  On 29 June 2010, two Malazgirt UAS units were delivered to the General Directorate of Security.

Technical Specifications

The Malazgirt UAS was produced entirely using domestic capabilities, from design to software and manufacturing. Its compact and lightweight design attracted attention, and its ability to perform vertical takeoff and landing in confined areas, along with high maneuverability, ensured high operational effectiveness. Key technical specifications are as follows:^【8】

Malazgirt İHA'nın Geliştirilme Sürecine Dair Bir Görsel (Baykar)

• Rotor Diameter: 1.8 meters
• Length: 1.2 meters
• Range: 20 kilometers
• Operational Altitude: 3,600 feet
• Maximum Altitude: 12,000 feet
• Flight Duration: 90 minutes
• Takeoff Weight: 12 kilograms
• Takeoff and Landing: Capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and point landing, optimized for rugged terrain conditions.
• Engine: The platform was produced in two variants: one with a gasoline engine and another with an electric motor.
• Surveillance: Equipped with a thermal camera system, it can conduct uninterrupted day and night reconnaissance and transmit real-time imagery.

Advanced Capabilities

The Malazgirt UAS is equipped with an autopilot system utilizing modern control techniques. This system ensures high performance in guidance, stabilization and target tracking missions. Additionally, features such as automatic takeoff and landing, hover capability, and route planning have enhanced the platform’s operational flexibility.

Operational Use and Project Termination

Malazgirt UAS units played an active role in counter-terrorism operations in Southeastern Anatolia and cross-border missions. In particular, they were operationally deployed during the 2009 Hakkari Hantepe clashes.^【9】 Despite its technical success and pioneering status globally, the Malazgirt project faced serious bureaucratic obstacles:^【10】

• “Software Error” Allegation: Following an accident during operations, bureaucratic authorities abruptly grounded all flights citing “software errors.”
• Rejection of “Free of Charge” Commitment: Despite Baykar’s written commitment to replace all units free of charge regardless of the cause of the accidents, flight permissions were never reinstated. Operational Malazgirt Mini İHAs were withdrawn from the field and stored in depots.^【11】

Although the Malazgirt UAS never fully achieved operational status, it made significant contributions to Türkiye’s defense industry. Baykar leveraged the knowledge and experience gained from this project to advance subsequent, larger initiatives.