Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) proudly announced a new development milestone for its Anka-III stealth drone.
In a statement on X, the company revealed that the unmanned platform successfully retracted its landing gear mid-air during its most recent flight test.
During previous flights, the drone’s landing gear remained outside while airborne.
According to TAI, this represents an “important” phase in the Anka-III’s development, bringing it one step closer to full-rate production and deployment.
“ANKA III, which is getting stronger every day, is counting the days for the security of our homeland,” the company wrote.
Elde sensin, dilde sen; gönüldesin, baştasın! ✈️
28 Aralık 2023 tarihinde ilk uçuşunu başarıyla gerçekleştiren #ANKA III, iniş takımlarını havada kapatarak önemli bir aşamayı daha geride bıraktı. 💪🏻
Bu gurur verici adım, ANKA III’ün üstün performansını bir kez daha kanıtladı… pic.twitter.com/3pKT47Jpxu
— Türk Havacılık Uzay Sanayii (@TUSAS_TR) August 19, 2024
About the Anka-III
A twin-engine platform, the Anka-III integrates a variety of cutting-edge technologies, including advanced avionics, an autopilot system, and an electro-optical/infrared camera.
Its synthetic aperture radar also ensures effective surveillance and reconnaissance in adverse weather conditions.
Additionally, the Turkish aerial system boasts stealth characteristics, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect it.
To support combat operations, the Anka-III is capable of carrying a wide range of munitions, from precision-guided bombs to laser-guided rockets.
The drone completed its maiden flight in December 2023, lasting one hour and 10 minutes.
