TUSAŞ's ANKA, ANKA III and AKSUNGUR unmanned aerial vehicles can stay in the sky for hours and reach targets thousands of kilometres away. The technology that flies these platforms safely at such distances is the SkyARX satellite communication terminal developed by CTech, a TUSAŞ subsidiary. The company has expanded its product family in this field with its next-generation phased array antenna, SkyARX E-Ku.
ANKA: Türkiye's First MALE-Class UAV
ANKA, developed by TUSAŞ, holds the distinction of being Türkiye's first MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) class unmanned aerial vehicle. The MALE class defines platforms capable of remaining airborne for long periods at medium altitude. ANKA can climb to 30,000 feet and stay airborne for over 30 hours. This capability makes ANKA a critical platform in reconnaissance, surveillance and target detection missions.
AKSUNGUR and ANKA III: Different Mission Profiles
AKSUNGUR is a platform that stands out for its high payload capacity. Capable of carrying up to 750 kilograms of payload, AKSUNGUR can climb to 40,000 feet and stay airborne for up to 50 hours. Thanks to its twin-engine structure, it offers higher reliability in over-sea missions. ANKA III, meanwhile, is a platform close to the unmanned combat aerial vehicle concept with its jet engine configuration. It offers a different mission profile with its low radar cross-section and high-speed capability. All three platforms use the SkyARX satellite communication terminal.
The Key to Beyond-Horizon Control
SkyARX enables these platforms to be controlled in areas beyond line of sight as well. The terminal provides command and control capability from thousands of kilometres away. The live imagery and mission data collected by the platforms are transmitted uninterrupted to the ground control centre via SkyARX. Offering uninterrupted, real-time broadband satellite communication for manned and unmanned aerial vehicles operating in mission-critical scenarios, the terminal provides continuous connectivity in tactical operations and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) applications, while on the move and under changing altitudes and conditions. The terminal's high-speed 3/4-axis movement capability and electronically scanned antenna technology ensure that the satellite link is maintained even on moving platforms. Capable of integrated operations with land, sea and air elements, SkyARX adapts to different mission scenarios with P2P and P2MP support.
Next-Generation Antenna: SkyARX E-Ku
Following its existing SkyARX terminal, CTech has expanded its product family with SkyARX E-Ku, Türkiye's next-generation phased array satellite communication antenna. Developed for next-generation air platforms requiring low visibility and high aerodynamic performance, the system provides uninterrupted satellite communication with electronic beam steering capability, without requiring mechanical movement.
Unlike conventional dish antenna systems, the product has a flat panel architecture, preserving the platform's aerodynamic structure without compromising satellite communication performance. Thanks to its low-profile structure, it can be integrated onto platforms where radar visibility and aerodynamic efficiency are critical. Steering the satellite link electronically using phased array antenna technology, SkyARX E-Ku ensures continuity of the satellite link without the antenna needing to move physically while the platform manoeuvres. This capability gains particular importance on platforms operating at high speeds, requiring low radar visibility, and with limited antenna installation space.
Three Years of R&D, Export Target
CTech General Manager Dr. Cüneyd Fırat, in a statement in June regarding the development process of SkyARX E-Ku, noted that they had been working on this technology for approximately three years. Fırat says: "Our work on this technology entered our roadmaps approximately three years ago and has been matured through intensive R&D activities over the past year and a half." Noting that they have gained significant competencies in the cell architecture, electronic beam steering capability and low-profile design areas that form the basis of phased array antenna technologies, Fırat comments: "SkyARX E-Ku constitutes the first example of our product family in this field, and we aim to expand this portfolio with new solutions for different platforms in the period ahead."
Fırat also notes that demand for phased array satellite communication solutions is increasing worldwide. "We see that this technology has significant resonance not only in our country but also in international markets. We currently have demands coming from different regions and ongoing work. We aim to carry the competencies we have gained in phased array antenna technologies to global markets and to seize significant opportunities on the export side," he states.
Strategic Gain
SkyARX and SkyARX E-Ku strengthen Türkiye's satellite communication independence in UAV operations. Uninterrupted communication at high altitudes and speeds, real-time command and control support, and broadband satellite connectivity increase the effectiveness of ANKA, ANKA III and AKSUNGUR in different mission scenarios. The competencies CTech has gained in phased array antenna technologies are regarded as a critical step in reducing Türkiye's external dependency in long-range UAV operations. The company continues its R&D activities towards improving performance, reducing power consumption, optimising weight and size, and developing platform-specific configurations.
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