Aselsan’s Low-Observable Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), known as Toygun, has been integrated into the fuselage of a Bayraktar Kızılelma, marking the first time globally that embedded EOTS technology has been implemented on an unmanned fighter aircraft, aviation company Baykar said.
Test flights have commenced for the Kızılelma fighter UAV equipped with beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, Murad 100-A AESA radar and Toygun EOTS, Baykar announced on Nov. 17.
While platforms like the F-16 carry targeting systems as external pods, concealing this system inside Bayraktar Kılızelma’s airframe is critical for its low radar cross-section (low observability) capability. This advanced electro-optical targeting system, concealed within the airframe, currently exists on manned aircraft only on fifth-generation platforms such as the F-35.
The Toygun offers wide-spectrum scanning capabilities contributing to 360-degree situational awareness. Its high-resolution IR imaging enables the detection of strategic targets and moving ground/sea elements from long distances. Moreover, AI-supported target tracking and automatic target classification algorithms enhance Kızılelma’s autonomous mission performance.
The system enables Kızılelma to penetrate hostile airspace without compromising its low-observable profile. It can detect targets without being caught by radar, designate them with laser guidance, and neutralize them using indigenous munitions.
Kizilelma marked a major milestone, locking onto an F-16 and scoring a direct hit during a simulated test firing, according to Baykar.
The test demonstrated the Kizilelma’s capabilities using a locally developed AESA radar and indigenous air-to-air missile. The aircraft also executed a formation flight with F-16 fighter jets, further proving its integration with Turkey’s existing air fleet, read the statement.
