Turkish combat drone nears supersonic speed as Baykar unveils PT-4 prototype Photo / Video

The Turkish defence firm Baykar has advanced the development of its next-generation unmanned combat aircraft, with the fourth prototype of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA now undergoing flight testing.

According to a post on X by Baykar’s Chairman, Selçuk Bayraktar, the PT-4 prototype successfully completed identification tests of its aerodynamic take-off system supported by afterburner (AB) technology, Caliber.Az reports.

Bayraktar #KIZILELMA PT-4 ✈️🚀🍎

🛫 AB Kalkışlı Aerodinamik Sistem Tanımlama Testi
🛫 AB-Assisted Takeoff Aerodynamics System Identification Test#MilliTeknolojiHamlesi 🌍🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/BfzCOQibJz

— Selçuk Bayraktar (@Selcuk) May 15, 2025

Development of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA is progressing on schedule. Drawing on insights from earlier prototypes, the latest iteration features significant upgrades to both its structural design and avionics architecture. Notably, the aircraft performed a flight powered by an alternative afterburning engine, marking the successful completion of its integration.

Thanks to this powerful new engine, the KIZILELMA is now edging closer to supersonic speeds and offers improved manoeuvrability at high velocities due to its refined aerodynamics.

Equipped with an AESA radar system, the aircraft also boasts enhanced situational awareness, enabling it to undertake highly complex missions with greater precision.

By Aghakazim Guliyev