Military Drone Bayraktar Akinci completes successful trials with Roketsan's Alpagut and Eren ammunition.
The Alpagut Smart Loitering Munition System has recently made a significant mark in Turkey's domestic defense industry, following a successful test flight from the Bayraktar Akinci UCAV. Developed jointly by Roketsan and STM, this fixed-wing loitering munition is designed for precision strikes on a variety of target types, including mobile and stationary land and sea vehicles, radar and communication systems, command centers, and personnel [1].
With a maximum take-off mass of approximately 45-60 kg and dimensions of 2.3 to 2.6 meters in length and about 3 meters in wingspan, Alpagut offers a balanced blend of size and capability [2]. It is propelled by a rear-mounted electric engine driving a two-blade propeller, providing it with over 60 minutes of loitering flight and an operational range that exceeds 60 kilometers [2].
The munition's key feature is its dual-mode seeker, which houses electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) capabilities in a gimbal, offering real-time video feed to operators [2]. Alpagut operates with operator-in-the-loop target detection, tracking, evaluation, and approval before autonomous terminal attack [2]. It also features a two-way data link that allows full mission control, including abort and self-destruction [2].
Alpagut's capabilities set it apart from both smaller tactical loitering munitions and cruise missiles. While it is lighter and slower than cruise missiles, it offers greater operational flexibility in contested environments due to real-time video feedback and swarm operation capability [3]. Compared to smaller loitering munitions, Alpagut boasts a longer loiter time and range [3].
The Alpagut test flight marked a significant achievement, as it followed tests conducted from land and demonstrated the munition's ability to safely separate from the aircraft, deploy its wings, navigate, and undergo optically-guided tests [4]. The successful deployment of Alpagut from the Bayraktar Akinci UCAV against a target located at sea off Sinop showcases its potential for long-range strikes [5].
STM General Manager Ozgur Guleryuz congratulated all STM and Roketsan colleagues who contributed to the Alpagut development effort [6]. The Alpagut Smart Loitering Munition System is a cooperative project between Roketsan, Turkey's rocket and missile center, and STM, Turkey's leading company in tactical mini-UAV production [6].
With its advanced capabilities and potential for flexible engagement of high-value targets, Alpagut is poised to play a crucial role in modern conflicts, where the need for smart loitering munition systems continues to grow [7].
[1] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/08/24/turkeys-bayraktar-akinci-ucav-fires-aselsan-lgk-82-munition-during-test/ [2] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/08/24/turkeys-bayraktar-akinci-ucav-fires-aselsan-lgk-82-munition-during-test/ [3] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/08/24/turkeys-bayraktar-akinci-ucav-fires-aselsan-lgk-82-munition-during-test/ [4] https://www.daily Sabah.com/defense/2021/08/25/turkey-s-alpagut-smart-loitering-munition-successfully-completes-first-test-flight [5] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/08/24/turkeys-bayraktar-akinci-ucav-fires-aselsan-lgk-82-munition-during-test/ [6] https://www.daily Sabah.com/defense/2021/08/25/turkey-s-alpagut-smart-loitering-munition-successfully-completes-first-test-flight [7] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/08/24/turkeys-bayraktar-akinci-ucav-fires-aselsan-lgk-82-munition-during-test/
The Alpagut Smart Loitering Munition System, a significant achievement in Turkey's domestic defense industry, has the potential to impact the Turkish economy, especially the technology sector, as it showcases Turkey's growing capabilities in developing advanced military equipment. With its successful test flight from the Bayraktar Akinci UCAV, this system presents an opportunity for Turkiye to establish stronger ties with other countries, potentially including Russia, given the growing demand for smart loitering munition systems in modern conflicts worldwide. Given the role of Roketsan and STM, key players in Turkey's tech and defense industries, in the development of the Alpagut, the success of this project underscores the strength and potential of the Turkish technology sector.
