Turkish Drone Kizilelma PT-4 Validates Afterburner Take-Off Capability for Short-Runway Operations

The Bayraktar Kizilelma PT-4 has reached a critical milestone by completing its afterburner-assisted take-off test. The announcement was made on May 24, 2025, by Baykar Chairman of the Board Selçuk Bayraktar through social media. The test, officially referred to as the "Afterburner Take-off Aerodynamic System Identification Test," was part of a broader validation process aimed at refining the aerodynamic and propulsion characteristics of the Kizilelma, which is expected to enter service with the Turkish Armed Forces by 2026. Read more. 

The successful afterburner take-off confirms the PT-4's ability to perform high-thrust, short-runway launches, essential for operations from restricted airstrips or ski-jump carriers (Picture source: Baykar)


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