Turkey unveils its own drone

Turkey's first domestic drone, Anka, has a 56-foot wingspan
and an ability to fly for 24 hours at a speed of 75 knots per hour.


Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=135107&sectionid=351020204



Turkey has developed its own drone, a move that will allow Ankara to sever an important link with Israel, which has been a supplier of drones to Turkey.

The surveillance craft, named the Anka (Phoenix), is able to fly for 24 hours, head of the project Ozcan Ertem said on Friday.

He added that an armed version of the Anka was possible but not on the agenda now, the Associated Press reported.

Turkey unveiled the drone after its shaky ties with Israel worsened by the May 31 attack against the Turkish-led Freedom Flotilla aid convoy in international waters. The assault left at least nine Turkish activists dead.

Following the incident, Turkey withdrew its ambassador and pulled out of three naval drills with Israel in the Mediterranean in response.

According to Turkish engineers, the Turkish-made drone would become part of the country's arsenal.

Remzi Barlas, head of the engineering group at Turkish Aerospace Space Industries Inc, said Anka was as capable as the Israeli Heron drones and even features a better anti-icing system that works for the entire 24 hour-flight.

The first system, comprising three planes and remote-control units, was expected to be delivered to the Turkish Air Force in 2013.