Aselsan’s new generation electro optic system, the Aselflir-500, has been creating a lot of buzz, of late. Late September, Aselsan announced that Azerbaijan has become the first export customer of the Aselflir-500. The system will be for use on the...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
Aselsan’s new generation electro optic system, the Aselflir-500, has been creating a lot of buzz, of late.
Late September, Aselsan announced that Azerbaijan has become the first export customer of the Aselflir-500. The system will be for use on the country’s new Bayraktar Akıncı unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Recently, Turkish Aerospace's Anka-III unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), equipped with an AF500, successfully conducted its first firing test, while the Bayraktar TB3 armed unmanned aerial vehicle, which Baykar developed indigenously, completed its 25th flight test with the electro-optical camera system. The Aselflir-500 electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting system, was also tested by the Bayraktar Akıncı unmanned combat aerial vehicle, which struck a moving target at sea. Both TAI and Baykar say Aselflir-500 is “the best in its class”.
Aselflir-500: The New Generation Electro Optic System
The recent events in the world once again showed the importance of air supremacy and for the platforms in the air. Electro optic systems behave as the eyes of the platforms, providing tactical advantages over the field.
Aselflir-500 is a high-performance new generation 15” electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting system designed for fixed and rotary wing airborne platforms.
In February Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had announced that Aselflir-500 electro-optical system is going into mass production.
With its compact form, unique laser designs, image quality, superior range performance, high stabilization capabilities and advanced algorithms, the system is delivering 20’’ payload performance in a 15” category payload.
The system features a multi-spectral aperture that combines multiple optical channels into one, providing outstanding range performance without increasing size and weight, operable day and in adverse weather conditions.
As a turret only unit, the system consists of HD infrared camera (IR Camera), 8 Mp day visual camera (TV Camera), HD SWIR camera, laser range finder and designator unit (LRFD), laser pointer and illuminator unit (LPI), laser spot tracker (LST).
All laser guided munitions in the world can be encoded, allowing the user to shoot with NATO codes. The system can provide accurate range information even at high altitudes.
With its rigid structure, vibration damping and 4-axes gimbals and 2-axes optics stabilization, Aselflir-500 displays high stabilization performance. The system has a capability in order not to lose control over the target in high depression angles (down look or when the target is passed over). The system provides maximum protection for sightline, reducing the vibrations in the image.
The internal boresight module embedded to the system provides elimination of the misalignment between the sensors which may occur with temperature changes and vibration effects at different altitudes during operations, enabling the user to continue the mission.
With the use of platform INS data when needed, gimbal control is not suppressed in the case of GPS/GNSS loss in the operational field, which occurs under high jamming.
The system is enhanced with AI-based algorithms. PRF coded lasers can be displayed/imaged in day and night conditions by the help of see-spot feature of Aselflir-500. Using deep learning techniques and applying model-based algorithms, the image quality is supported in all channels.
How Anka III Performed
The test conducted by Anka III equipped with an AF500 Electro-Optical camera was carried out using the Teber-82 Guidance Kit developed by Roketsan.
“The superior performance of Anka III in the tests is an indication that it will make a great contribution to our country's operational capabilities and defence capacity in the future,” a TAI official said.
Anka-III had its maiden flight last December, following its first engine run conducted in March 2023.
The Anka-III UCAV, poised to advance our capabilities in unmanned aerial vehicle technologies, is designed to operate at 40,000 feet, reach a speed of Mach 0.7, and stay airborne for up to 10 hours, with a take-off weight of approximately seven tons.
When Bayraktar TB3 Flew First Time
The Bayraktar TB3 UAV flew for the first time with the Aselflir-500, developed indigenously by Aselsan, during the medium altitude system identification and performance test conducted at the Akinci flight training and test center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ.
During the test, the integration of the Aselflir-500 electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting system was successfully completed. The Bayraktar Akinci UAV, conducting training flights during the test, was tracked by Aselflir-500.
The Bayraktar TB3 UAV has successfully conducted 25 flight tests to date. Having completed a total of 196 hours of flight during test flights, the Bayraktar TB3 has successfully passed the high-altitude system performance tests many times by flying above 30,000 feet altitude. The Bayraktar TB3 UAV, which has successfully completed tests measuring system and endurance performance, is powered by TEI’s indigenous PD-170 engine.
Also, the second prototype (PT-2) of the Bayraktar TB3 armed unmanned aerial vehicle, conducted at the Akinci flight training and test center also successfully completed its first flight.
The Bayraktar TB3 UAV will be the world's first armed unmanned aerial vehicle capable of taking off from- and landing on short-runway vessels like TCG Anadolu with its foldable wing structure. Selçuk Bayraktar, Baykar’s Chairman and Chief Technology Officer, announced that they plan to start tests with TCG Anadolu for Bayraktar TB3 within 2024.
“The capabilities that Bayraktar TB3 will possess will be an important innovation for unmanned aerial vehicles in this class. With beyond-line-of-sight communication capability, the indigenous UAV will be controllable from very long distances. Thus, with reconnaissance-surveillance, intelligence, and the attack missions it carries out against overseas targets with its smart munitions, it will have a multiplier effect on Türkiye's deterrent power,” a company official said.
Export Champion
Baykar, which has self-financed all its projects since its establishment, obtained 83 per cent of its total revenue from exports since the beginning of the UAV R&D process in 2003. According to the Turkish Exporters Assembly’s (TIM) 2021 and 2022 data, Baykar became the top exporter in the defense and aerospace sector.
The Defense Industry Agency announced that Baykar was the top exporter within the sector in 2023 with US$1.8 billion. Baykar, which generated more than 90% of its revenue from exports in recent years, single-handedly accounted for one third of the defense and aerospace sector's exports in 2023. Export agreements have been signed with a total of 34 countries –including 33 countries for the Bayraktar TB2 UAV and nine countries for the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV.
South Korean armoured vehicle manufacturer Kovico is participating for the second time at the ongoing IDEX. Speaking to Daily News,…
Indonesian airframer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is participating at the ongoing IDEX with an eye on the Middle East market.…
Edge Group, Kintsugi Holding, and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA), the government entity responsible for fire safety, emergency…
Russian Helicopters is showcasing the newest version of its firefighting helicopter, the Ka-32А11М, at the ongoing IDEX. Russian Helicopters is…
Galvion has received several recent orders from the Middle Eastern region for a total of 35,000 Baltskin helmet systems. The…
A T-90MS Main Battle Tank (MBT) developed and manufactured by Uralvagonzavod for the United Arab Emirates is on display at…
The Korean automaker is displaying a military variant of the Kia Tasman, the automakers first pickup truck, at the ongoing…
UAE's Edge Group is expanding its global foootprint and has signed a series of partnership agreements with international companies at…
Notwithstanding the fact that the United States' arms exports to the Middle East have decreased over the last few years,…
The inaugural day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 saw the announcement of 13 deals worth AED 3.97 billion. The contracts were signed…
Turkish Aerospace is displaying a full-size mockup of its Hurkus turboprop trainer at the ongoing IDEX, with the intent to…
Qatar-based Barzan Holdings, which has grown rapidly since its inception in 2016 to become a leading global defence technology company,…
Terma will supply its command-and-control software, BMD-Flex, as part of Slovakia's newly acquired Barak MX Integrated Air Defence System. The…
Russia's Kalashnikov is showcasing small-class and medium-class KUB-2-E guided loitering munition for the first time at the ongoing IDEX. The…
Electronic attack solutions that are designed to deliver advanced electromagnetic countermeasures for both airborne and land-based applications, next-generation ELINT configuration…
Now underway, the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025)/ Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2025) has garnered unprecedented global…
ATERMES, which has seen its advanced surveillance solutions being adopted by countries such as Iraq for critical area protection and…
Turkish land systems firm FNSS is presenting its TEBER-II 30/40 TMT (Two-Man Turret) for the first time at the ongoing…
Edge Group is showcasing its growing portfolio of battlefield disruptors at the ongoing show. The Group’s portfolio of advanced weapons…
Embraer of Brazil is seeking a greater foothold in the region and is promoting two of its important defence platforms…
South African defence firm Denel is eyeing a greater share of international defence markets with its presence at the ongoing…
At the ongoing IDEX, Boeing is showcasing its offerings designed to support the defence modernization and mission readiness of its…
AMMROC, the UAE-based industry leader in aviation MRO services and integrated logistics support and Marshall, are working to develop a…
ADNEC Group has established the the first global platform that brings together leaders, experts, decision-makers, and companies to develop defence…
Embraer has officially begun the structural assembly of the first C-390 Millennium for Austria. An official ceremony was held at…
Türkiye’s defence major Aselsan has brought artillery and mortar systems, smart munitions, ground-penetrating radar, and naval defence solutions to IDEX…
AMMROC, a provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in the region, will participate in IDEX 2025 to showcase…
Indra, which has formed a joint venture with EDGE, will showcase the AESA Nemus and Nemus-C radars, among with its…
HENSOLDT has secured a contract extension valued at approximately 350 million euros for the development of the Eurofighter Mk1 radar.…
SITA has introduced a new global messaging platform, SITA ATC Connect, designed to facilitate communication between airlines, airports, ground handlers,…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.