AKSUNGUR, DEVELOPED INDIGENOUSLY BY TURKISH AEROSPACE, BREAKS ALTITUDE RECORD WITH ITS INDIGENOUS ENGINE

The high-payload-capacity unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) AKSUNGUR, developed through the dedicated efforts of Turkish Aerospace engineers, has set a new altitude record in aviation history using the indigenously produced TEI-PD170 engine. As part of envelope expansion tests, AKSUNGUR achieved the highest altitude ever reached with its indigenous engine, successfully operating at 40,000 feet.

Since its maiden flight on March 20, 2019, AKSUNGUR has proven itself both in Türkiye and across various regions over the past six years. On April 16, 2025, the UAV added another milestone to its track record by taking off from Mürted Airfield Command with the TEI-PD170 engine. During the four-hour flight test, AKSUNGUR surpassed its previous record of 37,500 feet and reached 40,000 feet.

During this historic flight, AKSUNGUR also successfully operated the indigenously developed AF500 camera by ASELSAN and the indigenous heated battery by ASPİLSAN.

With its high payload capacity, advanced performance, and extended endurance, AKSUNGUR stands out in its class. Designed for uninterrupted day/night intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions, it integrates EO/IR, SAR, and SIGINT payloads as well as various air-to-ground munitions for highly effective operations. In addition to its military use, AKSUNGUR also serves in civilian applications, successfully performing missions such as search and rescue and damage assessment during natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and wildfires.