Turkish MALE Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ( TIHA) program

Pictures are courtesy of cabatli_53

The contract regarding the development of an indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system for the reconnaissance requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces became effective on 24 December 2004. Within the framework of the program, a total of three prototypes and ground systems will be designed, developed, manufactured and flight tested by mid 2011 as part of the prototype development phase. Subsequently, the production phase will be launched.Maximum take-off weight is 1,500kg (3,300lb) including provision for a 200kg payload and 250kg of fuel.

Technical specifications

• Service ceiling: 30,000 ft
• Endurance: 24 hours
• Cruise speed >75 kts
• LOS communication range >200 km
• Component Fuselage: 10m (33ft)
• Wing Span: 17.3m
• V-Tail: 4.5m
• Max. Take off Weight: 1500kg
• Useful Load: 250kg
• Electro-optic Color Day Camera (ASELFLIR-300T EO),
• Electro-optic/Infrared/Laser Camera (EO/IR/LRF/LD/Spotter)(ASELFLIR-300T),
• SAR/GMTI, ISAR Payload (Aselsan)

Posted in: Turkey,UAV