The Turkish defense industry has achieved another strategic success in its localization efforts. The AKINCI TİHA, developed by Baykar, took its place in the skies with ASELSAN's newest and most advanced electro-optical system, ASELFLIR-600. The test flight symbolizes not only a hardware integration but also Türkiye's independence in high-tech surveillance systems. The shared images and technical data clearly demonstrate the system's operational capabilities.
ASELFLIR-600 and AKINCI join forces.
As those familiar with the defense industry know, the effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is directly proportional to the quality of the payloads they carry. The latest test footage shared by Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar and ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol showcased the new level of quality achieved. The AKINCI TİHA took off equipped with the ASELFLIR-600 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting System. During this flight, the system's performance limits were pushed, and critical capabilities were successfully tested.
The test operation went beyond a typical flight. The system's responses were measured, particularly in challenging atmospheric conditions and at varying altitudes. Images taken from distances of 200 km, 150 km, and 35 km demonstrated the superiority of the ASELFLIR-600 system. As a result, the ASELFLIR-600 flawlessly fulfilled its assigned mission. This achievement is considered a development that will completely end Türkiye's dependence on foreign sources for heavy-class unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Strategic Advantage of SWIR and Day Camera
One of the most notable aspects of the tests conducted was the integration of SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared) and daytime camera channels. So, what does this technology mean in the field? SWIR technology comes into play when the human eye or standard cameras are insufficient. In atmospheric conditions that obstruct visibility, such as fog, haze, or smoke, SWIR cameras detect photons and create a clear image.
During this test flight, the ASELFLIR-600 used its SWIR and daytime cameras in coordination. This confirmed its ability to provide color and highly detailed images even in challenging weather conditions. This allows operators to detect targets from much greater distances and even in camouflaged environments.
ASELFLIR-600 Technical Specifications and Capabilities
ASELFLIR-600 is a high-end system that competes with its global counterparts (for example, the Wescam MX-25 class) not only because it is domestically produced, but also because of its technical capabilities. According to official ASELSAN data and industry sources, the system's prominent technical features are as follows:
- Class and Weight: Yaklaşık 120 kg (+/-%10) ağırlığında, HALE sınıfı (Yüksek İrtifa Uzun Havada Kalış) İHA’lar ve ağır sınıf helikopterler için tasarlanmış en ağır ve en yetenekli FLIR sistemi.
- Gimbal Structure: With a 25-inch (approximately 63.5 cm) gimbal diameter, it provides a wide field of view and stabilization.
- Optical Aperture: It boasts a massive common optical aperture of 325 mm (350 mm in some configurations). This large lens diameter allows significantly more light to enter the system, enabling it to capture detailed images from much greater distances compared to its competitors.
- Resolution Values:
- Thermal Camera (MWIR): 1280×1024 pixel HD resolution.
- Day TV: 1920×1080 Full HD resolution (capable of up to 4096×2880 pixels on some sensors).
- SWI Camera: 1280×1024 pixel HD resolution.
- Laser Units: It includes advanced Laser Target Designator (LTD), Laser Rangefinder (LRF), and Laser Spot Tracker (LST) units offering laser rangefinding and marking ranges of up to 35 km.
- Stabilization: It features an advanced stabilization architecture consisting of 4-axis mechanical and 2-axis optical stabilization. This ensures the image remains stable and clear even if the platform vibrates.
Keywords: ASELFLIR 600, AKINCI TİHA, ASELSAN, defense industry, electro-optical system, technical specifications, SWIR technology, laser targeting, domestic technology, Baykar, military aviation
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