Bayraktar TB2T-AI UAS

The Bayraktar TB2T-AI is a variant of Bayraktar TB2, developed by Baykar and Türkiye’s first indigenous armed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), equipped with a turbo engine and advanced artificial intelligence systems. This model has been designed for combat operations with enhanced altitude capability, increased speed, and autonomous flight performance.

Flight tests of the Bayraktar TB2T-AI continue as of 2025 in Keşan. During these tests, the platform reached an altitude of 37,096 feet, breaking its own record. Thanks to its enhanced altitude capacity and turbo engine performance, the platform has been developed to operate for extended durations at high altitudes.

• 22 February 2025: The first flight test of the Bayraktar TB2T-AI was conducted.
• 9 March 2025: The third flight test of the platform was successfully completed, reaching an altitude of 25,500 feet.
• 10 April 2025: The Bayraktar TB2T-AI successfully completed its fifth flight test, during which mid-altitude system identification and performance evaluations were carried out.
• 6 May 2025: During its ninth flight test, the platform reached an altitude of 37,096 feet, setting a new altitude record.

The Bayraktar TB2T-AI distinguishes itself from previous Bayraktar TB2 models through its turbo engine and advanced artificial intelligence integration. The integrated turbo engine has improved climb rate and altitude capacity, while the AI-assisted systems enhance compatibility with electronic warfare conditions by enabling threat avoidance, terrain-referenced visual navigation, and autonomous takeoff and landing.

The turbo engine of the TB2T-AI enhances key flight performance parameters including altitude, flight speed, endurance, and payload capacity.

• Flight Altitude and Endurance: The platform can reach an altitude of 30,000 feet in less than 30 minutes. It possesses significantly faster climb performance and longer endurance at high altitudes compared to existing UAVs.

• Cruise Speed: The platform achieves a cruise speed of 160 knots (300 km/h).

• Maximum Takeoff Weight and Payload Capacity: The advanced turbo engine also increases the platform’s takeoff weight and payload capacity. This enables it to carry heavier munitions, EO camera systems, or external electronic countermeasure pods mounted under the wings with greater ease.

^{Changes related to the engine can be observed in the engine nacelle located at the rear of the platform} (Baykar)

The Bayraktar TB2T-AI is equipped with three integrated artificial intelligence computers that enable autonomous flight capabilities. These systems provide the platform with advanced analytical and decision-making abilities in aerial combat environments.

• Threat Avoidance: The platform can analyze threat elements to detect and identify targets. Upon detecting a threat, it can autonomously execute evasive maneuvers without requiring ground control intervention. It can also distinguish between friendly and hostile ground elements and track their movements.

• Terrain-Referenced Visual Navigation: Thanks to advanced AI systems, the Bayraktar TB2T-AI possesses visual navigation capability. It can analyze terrain in real time to dynamically plan flight routes and select optimal trajectories. This capability significantly improves navigation performance under electronic jamming conditions.

• Autonomous Takeoff and Landing and Safe Return: The platform can identify runways using visual recognition and perform autonomous takeoff and landing. With its safe return system, it can automatically return to base in emergency situations.

The Bayraktar TB2T-AI features winglets in its aerodynamic design. This structure optimizes airflow at the wingtips, reduces drag, and enhances overall flight performance.