A Turkish UAV has flown with an electro-optical camera and a total payload of 51 kilograms, passing an important flight test, according to a report in Defense News. The successful flight means the Karayel is ready to join the Turkish military.
The UAV, which has been taking test flights since 2009, is designed for observation missions. The Turkish military signed a contract in 2011 to procure six UAVs and four payload packages.
"The program aims to minimize Turkey's dependence on foreign drone systems," said manufacturer Vestel Savunma's general director, Aziz Sipahi.
The Karayel was originally designed to carry up to 35 kilograms of payload with a ceiling of 18,000 feet, but with some recent modifications, it will carry up to 70 kilograms at up to 22,500 feet. The flight duration has also been extended, from 10 hours to 20.
