AKSUNGUR Drone: Successful Test Flight with National Engine
**The AKSUNGUR drone has successfully completed a test flight utilizing a domestically produced engine, marking a significant milestone in Turkey’s aviation technology. During this operation, the drone effectively struck its target using smart munitions developed by ASELSAN, specifically the LGK81 and LGK82 models.**
This successful test is the culmination of a lengthy development process that started in 2013. The national engine’s development proceeded through various stages, with test flights on the ANKA drone becoming public in 2017. Historically, the engine had also shown its capabilities by operating in previous AKSUNGUR flights. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), the AKSUNGUR is a remarkable dual-engine UAV that has achieved impressive flight hours with the TEI-PD170 engine produced by TEI.
In the recent test flight, the AKSUNGUR demonstrated its prowess by accurately hitting targets using the aforementioned ASELSAN munitions. The LGK81 and LGK82 are advanced laser guidance kits capable of transforming standard munitions – including MK-81, MK-82, MK-83, and MK-84 – into precision-guided ordnance, thereby enhancing targeting accuracy.
The laser guidance kits not only improve the precision of the munitions but also strengthen their resilience against enemy countermeasures such as electronic jamming. The LGK kits provide numerous advantages including an extended engagement range, reduced collateral damage, and the ability to strike both fixed and moving targets. This advanced munitions technology features a semi-active laser seeker head, a guidance section, a thermal battery, and a unique wing and tail assembly that ensures the bomb is directed accurately towards the designated target.
The TEI-PD170 Turbo-Diesel Aviation Engine was developed with a clear objective: to fulfill the power requirements of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class unmanned aerial vehicles, particularly the ANKA platform by TUSAŞ. Backed by the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries, the TEI-PD170 represents a pioneering project aimed at producing Turkey’s first domestic aviation engine.
Delivering a power output capacity of 172 HP (±2), the TEI-PD170 excels with its remarkable altitude performance and fuel efficiency, incorporating a two-stage serial turbocharger system. This engine is versatile, able to operate on both JP-8 and Jet-A1 fuels, and boasts a competitive dry weight of just 162 kg.
Equipped with a sophisticated Redundant Engine Control System, developed with TEI capabilities and adhering to civil aviation standards, the TEI-PD170 supports operations at an impressive altitude ceiling of 45,000 feet. To date, the AKSUNGUR drone has completed a total of 100 flights using this domestic engine, while the ANKA III platform continues to evolve and add new capabilities.
