Baykar and the Italian defense and aerospace company Leonardo conducted a joint flight test campaign for the interoperability of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Tests conducted in Çorlu
The tests were carried out at the Baykar flight and test center in Çorlu. The flight campaign involved Leonardo's M-346 jet trainer and light attack aircraft and Baykar's Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned aerial vehicle.
In the tests, KIZILELMA reportedly joined formation with the M-346 after autonomous taxiing and takeoff. Following commands from the M-346 pilots, KIZILELMA successfully performed various formations, position changes, separation, and rejoin maneuvers.
Data sharing and tracking
Data sharing between the M-346 and KIZILELMA was secured by Leonardo's systems providing real-time monitoring and cyber protection. A T-346A aircraft belonging to the Italian Air Force served as the chase plane.
Goal of the K-SWARM program
The tests were conducted under the K-SWARM program. This program aims to develop capabilities for manned and unmanned platforms to perform joint missions.
The data obtained is expected to create a roadmap for new tests involving higher situational awareness and more complex mission scenarios.
Advances in artificial intelligence, autonomy, and collaborative mission algorithms are predicted to increase mission effectiveness while reducing pilot workload. It was emphasized that human-unmanned teaming will play a critical role in future air combat systems.