| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 6.5 m (21 ft 4 in) |
| Wingspan | 12 m (39 ft 4 in) |
| Height | 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) |
| Max takeoff weight | 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) |
| Powerplant | Rotax 912 engine |
| Max speed | 220 km/h (120 kn; 140 mph) |
| Endurance | Up to 24 hours |
| Ceiling | 27,000 ft (8,200 m) |
| Range | 300 km (160 nmi; 190 mi) with 2x 50 kg (110 lb) munitions |
| Payload | 135 kg (298 lb) |
| Sensors | Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) camera, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Electronic Support Measures (ESM) |
| Weapons | Various air-to-ground missiles and guided bombs |
Note: Values may vary depending on the specific configuration and mission of the drone.
The Bayraktar Kızılelma is a Turkish-made drone that has been making headlines recently due to its impressive capabilities and effectiveness in various military operations. But, as with any military equipment, there is also a financial aspect to consider. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the finances behind the Bayraktar Kızılelma drone.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the history of the Bayraktar family of drones. The Bayraktar TB2, the predecessor of the Kızılelma, was developed by Turkey’s Baykar Defense in 2014. It quickly gained popularity due to its relatively low cost and high effectiveness, especially in asymmetrical warfare.
The Kızılelma, which was introduced in 2021, is an upgraded version of the TB2. It boasts longer endurance, more advanced sensors and weapons systems, and improved artificial intelligence capabilities. It is currently in use by the Turkish Armed Forces and has been exported to several other countries, including Ukraine and Qatar.
In terms of the drone’s finances, the exact cost of the Kızılelma is not publicly available. However, it is estimated to be significantly more expensive than the TB2, which has a reported cost of around $5 million per unit. Some estimates put the cost of the Kızılelma at around $10 million per unit.
Despite the higher cost, the Kızılelma is seen as a worthwhile investment for the Turkish government. Its capabilities have been demonstrated in various operations, including in Syria, where it reportedly destroyed dozens of Syrian military vehicles and facilities. It has also been used in operations against Kurdish militants within Turkey.
Furthermore, the success of the Bayraktar family of drones has also led to significant financial gains for Baykar Defense, the company that produces them. The company has reported a four-fold increase in revenues over the past three years, with much of that growth attributed to the success of the TB2 and Kızılelma drones.
Overall, the Bayraktar Kızılelma drone represents a significant investment for the Turkish government, but one that has already shown impressive results. Its capabilities have made it a valuable asset in asymmetrical warfare, and its success has led to significant financial gains for the company that produces it. As such, it is likely that we will continue to see the Kızılelma in use in various military operations in the years to come.
