A sharp fuselage, tailless design, low radar visibility; Flying wing or delta wing design. The flying wing concept, which has a different place in world aviation, was first developed in Germany during the Second World War. Afterwards, it was tried by many countries. Although ANKA-3, the jet-powered UAV system produced by TUSAŞ, was produced with this design, Turkey’s flying wing adventure is much older. The glider THK-13, produced in 1948 at the Turkish Aeronautical Association aircraft factory, is one of the first flying wing examples in the world.
Aviation History Researcher Mustafa Kılıç stated the following on TRT Haber;
“The Turkish Aeronautical Association could not sell the planes it produced or made as it wanted. It was necessary to do something unique both to gain prestige and to start production. But it was desired that it should not cost too much. Unfortunately, after minor accidents between test flights, after being repaired again, Kemal Uygun took off again under this command of our instructor, and the glider crashed very hard and broke apart. Unfortunately, this project was canceled after that.”
Many countries worked on flying wing design
America developed the world’s highest cost bomber Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit and unmanned aerial vehicle model X-47B. The Russian S-70 Okhotnik model also made its maiden flight in 2019.
The project that challenges the best: ANKA-3
Turkey applied to a similar project led by France in the early 2000s, but ‘Work was shared. “There is no place,” he replied. Ankara started its project that challenges the ‘best’ in this field. Its name was ANKA 3. The biggest advantage of ANKA-3 and delta wing design is radar invisibility.
Defense Technologies Specialist Arif Emre Örün made the following evaluations;
“It is a perfect aircraft in terms of aerodynamics. Because it uses every part of it as a lifting force. You will have a fighter aircraft that is least affected by air friction, has the best fuel efficiency, and can reach very long distances with the same effect system. Having no protrusions on its tail, wings or substations will provide you with great radar invisibility. In this way, these planes will be able to carry out deep air ground attack operations very successfully.”
ANKA-3, developed by TAI with domestic and national resources, will also have a high load carrying capacity thanks to its design.
News: Semih Kilic
Camera: Umit Kumcuoglu
Montage: Berkay Arslan
