AKSUNGUR UAV Achieves Milestone in Submarine Detection
The Turkish AKSUNGUR UAV, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), has achieved a significant technical milestone in maritime operations, successfully executing its first submarine detection mission during the "TURNAs-26" exercises conducted by the Turkish Naval Forces off the coast of Antalya.
Technical Operation Details
The aircraft departed from Ankara and reached the operational area via satellite control, carrying three aselBUOY 100P underwater acoustic listening systems, in addition to a sonobuoy, which are systems developed by ASELSAN. The aircraft, powered by the domestic TEI-PD170 engine, performed a descent maneuver to an altitude of 1,000 feet to drop the systems into the sea, before returning to an altitude of 6,000 feet to begin the signal reception process.
What Changes Practically?
The technical significance of this event lies in it being the first time the aselBUOY system has been launched from an unmanned aerial platform. The aircraft continued to fly for 4 hours, collecting acoustic data from underwater and transmitting it directly to the ground control center in Ankara via an integrated acoustic data transmission center, where the data was processed and underwater targets were identified.
Importance of This Development
This success confirms the ability of UAVs to perform missions previously limited to manned maritime patrol aircraft. This trial highlights the integration between Turkish national systems, as the AKSUNGUR demonstrated its efficiency in:
- Long endurance in the air.
- High payload capacity.
- Reliable control via satellite.
- Integration with advanced acoustic listening systems.
This development opens new horizons for enhancing Turkish maritime surveillance capabilities and reduces human risks in submarine detection missions, placing UAVs at the heart of modern maritime defense strategies.