Of late, there has been a lot to write about Aselsan’s new generation electro optic system, the Aselflir-500.While Turkish Aerospace's Anka-III unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), equipped with an AF500, successfully conducted its first firing test, the Bayraktar TB3 armed...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
Of late, there has been a lot to write about Aselsan’s new generation electro optic system, the Aselflir-500.
While Turkish Aerospace's Anka-III unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), equipped with an AF500, successfully conducted its first firing test, the Bayraktar TB3 armed unmanned aerial vehicle, which Baykar developed indigenously, completed its 25th flight test with the electro-optical camera system. The Aselflir-500 electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting system, was also tested by the Bayraktar Akıncı unmanned combat aerial vehicle, which struck a moving target at sea. Both TAI and Baykar say Aselflir-500 is “the best in its class”.
Aselflir-500: The New Generation Electro Optic System
Recent events in the world have once again showed the importance of air supremacy and platforms in the air. Electro optic systems behave as the eyes of the platforms, providing tactical advantages over the field.
Aselflir-500 is a high-performance new generation 15” electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting system designed for fixed and rotary wing airborne platforms. In February, Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that Aselflir-500 electro-optical system is going into mass production.
With its compact form, unique laser designs, image quality, superior range performance, high stabilization capabilities and advanced algorithms, the system is delivering 20’’ payload performance in a 15” category payload.
The system features a multi-spectral aperture that combines multiple optical channels into one, providing outstanding range performance without increasing size and weight, operable day and in adverse weather conditions.
As a turret only unit, the system consists of HD infrared camera (IR Camera), 8 Mp day visual camera (TV Camera), HD SWIR camera, laser range finder and designator unit (LRFD), laser pointer and illuminator unit (LPI), laser spot tracker (LST).
All laser guided munitions in the world can be encoded, allowing the user to shoot with NATO codes. The system can provide accurate range information even at high altitudes.
With its rigid structure, vibration damping and 4-axes gimbals and 2-axes optics stabilization, Aselflir-500 displays high stabilization performance. The system has a capability in order not to lose control over the target in high depression angles (down look or when the target is passed over). The system provides maximum protection for sightline, reducing the vibrations in the image.
The internal boresight module embedded to the system provides elimination of the misalignment between the sensors that may occur with temperature changes and vibration effects at different altitudes during operations, enabling the user to continue the mission.
With the use of platform INS data when needed, gimbal control is not suppressed in the case of GPS/GNSS loss in the operational field, which occurs under high jamming.
The system is enhanced with AI-based algorithms. PRF coded lasers can be displayed/imaged in day and night conditions by the help of see-spot feature of Aselflir-500. Using deep learning techniques and applying model-based algorithms, the image quality is supported in all channels.
How Anka III Performed
The test conducted by Anka III equipped with an AF500 Electro-Optical camera was carried out using the Teber-82 Guidance Kit developed by Roketsan.
“The superior performance of Anka III in the tests is an indication that it will make a great contribution to our country's operational capabilities and defence capacity in the future,” a TAI official said.
Anka-III had its maiden flight last December, following its first engine run conducted in March 2023.
The Anka-III UCAV, poised to advance our capabilities in unmanned aerial vehicle technologies, is designed to operate at 40,000 feet, reach a speed of Mach 0.7, and stay airborne for up to 10 hours, with a take-off weight of approximately seven tons.
Aselflir-500 on Bayraktar TB3
The Bayraktar TB3 UAV flew for the first time with the Aselflir-500, developed indigenously by Aselsan, during the medium altitude system identification and performance test conducted at the Akinci flight training and test center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ.
During the test, the integration of the Aselflir-500 electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting system was successfully completed. The Bayraktar Akinci UAV, conducting training flights during the test, was tracked by Aselflir-500.
The Bayraktar TB3 UAV has successfully conducted 25 flight tests to date. Having completed a total of 196 hours of flight during test flights, the Bayraktar TB3 has successfully passed the high-altitude system performance tests many times by flying above 30,000 feet altitude. The Bayraktar TB3 UAV, which has successfully completed tests measuring system and endurance performance, is powered by TEI’s indigenous PD-170 engine.
The second prototype (PT-2) of the Bayraktar TB3 armed unmanned aerial vehicle, successfully completed its first flight at the Akinci flight training and test center.
The Bayraktar TB3 UAV will be the world's first armed unmanned aerial vehicle capable of taking off from- and landing on short-runway vessels like TCG Anadolu with its foldable wing structure. Selçuk Bayraktar, Baykar’s Chairman and Chief Technology Officer, announced that they plan to start tests with TCG Anadolu for Bayraktar TB3 within 2024.
“The capabilities that Bayraktar TB3 will possess will be an important innovation for unmanned aerial vehicles in this class. With beyond-line-of-sight communication capability, the indigenous UAV will be controllable from very long distances. Thus, with reconnaissance-surveillance, intelligence, and the attack missions it carries out against overseas targets with its smart munitions, it will have a multiplier effect on Türkiye's deterrent power,” a company official said.
Export Champion
Baykar, which has self-financed all its projects since its establishment, obtained 83 per cent of its total revenue from exports since the beginning of the UAV R&D process in 2003. According to the Turkish Exporters Assembly’s (TIM) 2021 and 2022 data, Baykar became the top exporter in the defense and aerospace sector.
The Defense Industry Agency announced that Baykar was the top exporter within the sector in 2023 with US$1.8 billion. Baykar, which generated more than 90% of its revenue from exports in recent years, single-handedly accounted for one third of the defense and aerospace sector's exports in 2023. Export agreements have been signed with a total of 34 countries –including 33 countries for the Bayraktar TB2 UAV and nine countries for the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV.
Northrop Grumman has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ROMARM, a Romanian state-owned leader in defense, to collaborate in offering…
Northrop Grumman successfully launched a threat-representative target recently for the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Long Range Discrimination Radar non-intercept operational…
Boeing has been awarded a $2.8B contract for the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program, the space-based component of the…
The Philippine Navy (PN) has confirmed ongoing discussions regarding the possible transfer of Abukuma-class destroyer escorts from the Japan Maritime…
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, has confirmed an order for 20 additional Airbus A330-900 aircraft,…
Indonesia is reportedly preparing to purchase up to 24 additional Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, according to La Tribune,…
Air France–KLM announced on Friday that it is initiating proceedings to take a majority stake in SAS. The group currently…
AGlaze International Ltd. and Gryphon Aviation Partners (UK) Ltd. have announced that Maldivian, operated by Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL),…
Ethiopian Airlines has introduced a fifth weekly direct flight between Addis Ababa and Singapore, expanding its services on the route…
Thailand’s long-delayed plan to procure a Chinese-built S26T submarine has received formal approval from Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister…
Aselsan, Türkiye’s leading defense company, has successfully completed the test of YILDIRIM 100 Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) System, deflecting live…
A handover ceremony for the KRI Brawijaya (320), a Multipurpose Combat Ship (MPCS/PPA), was held on 3 July at Fincantieri’s…
The Board of Directors of Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. has appointed Giovanni Tomassini as Chief Executive Officer. Tomassini had been…
Clarion Events Defence and Security has announced the appointment of Colonel (ret) Bernd Kögel as Managing Director of DSEI Germany,…
Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG), the U.S. subsidiary of Italy’s Fincantieri, has appointed George A. Moutafis as its new Chief Executive…
Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has announced the launch of new services to three destinations: Da Nang and…
More European countries are expected to acquire the Elbit PULS system in the years to come. Important industrial partnerships, operational…
Fokker Services Group (FSG), an aircraft maintenance, modifications, completions, and conversions company, has installed a Supervisory Board, effective July 1.…
Spanish defence technology company EM&E Group has completed the delivery of two aunav.NEO HD robots to the Indonesian Marine Corps’…
TEST-FUCHS Aerospace Systems GmbH and Deutsche Aircraft have begun prototype testing of the D328eco regional turboprop's fuel system, including trials…
The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed the successful launch of Sentinel-4, an air quality monitoring instrument developed by Airbus,…
XTEND Reality Inc., a developer of human-guided autonomous drone systems, has opened a new headquarters and manufacturing site in Tampa,…
Philippine's Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has reiterated that the country’s planned Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) programme must be pursued as…
The European defense sector has taken a significant step forward with the launch of the Project MARTE (Main ARmoured Tank…
Embraer is now accepting applications for the new edition of the Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering Program, a career…
TEST-FUCHS Aerospace Systems and Deutsche Aircraft have announced a significant achievement in the development of the D328eco, a next-generation regional…
The Romanian ministry of defence has selected the Rafael Spyder air defence system. The contract is valued at about €1.9…
Sentrycs, specializing in Protocol Manipulation-based counter-drone technology—commonly known as Cyber over RF—has announced the integration of its solution into Rafael’s…
Blueberry Aviation, global aircraft sales specialist, has appointed Gwenola Robert as Vice President Contracts. Robert will work alongside the Commercial…
AL TAIF, a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service provider under UAE-based defence group EDGE, has signed a Memorandum of…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.