Turkey’s defense industry firm Baykar has announced the successful initial test firing of its Kemankes mini intelligent cruise missile. The test, conducted in the northwestern province of Edirne, witnessed the Bayraktar TB2 drone launch the Kemankes missile from a distance of 20 kilometers (12 miles). Demonstrating remarkable precision, the missile effectively reached its designated target area and accomplished its mission. The name “Kemankes” draws inspiration from the historical Turkish archers renowned for their exceptional accuracy. Baykar’s indigenous drone models, such as Bayraktar Akinci, Bayraktar TB2, and Bayraktar TB3, are fully compatible with the seamless integration of the Kemankes missile. Equipped with an autopilot system supported by artificial intelligence, Kemankes operates autonomously during its flight, which can last up to one hour. It boasts the capability to operate effectively in both day and night conditions, and its anti-jamming capabilities ensure resilience against electronic interference.
Equipped with an advanced EO (Electro-Optical) camera system, this cruise missile provides real-time video and image capture capabilities. The camera system offers a 2-axis stabilization feature, ensuring steady footage even during high-speed flight maneuvers. The range of the camera system extends up to 2.8 kilometers, enabling the missile to capture detailed visuals from a safe distance. With a field of view ranging from 59.13° to 1.10° (horizontal), it provides a broad perspective for effective target identification and monitoring. The 36x optical zoom capability further enhances the clarity and detail of captured images. The Kemankes Mini Intelligent Cruise Missile incorporates a high-precision laser range finder with a range of up to 2.8 kilometers. This feature enables accurate distance measurement and target acquisition, enhancing the missile’s targeting capabilities. The laser range finder assists in gathering crucial data for precise strikes and intelligence gathering.
The Kemankes Mini Intelligent Cruise Missile boasts excellent flight performance, allowing it to swiftly navigate through the skies. With a maximum speed of 0.7 Mach (720 km/h), this missile ensures rapid deployment to its target. The jet engine enables a cruise speed of 0.3 Mach (360 km/h), ensuring steady flight during surveillance and engagement missions. Operating at an altitude of 18,000 feet, this missile can effectively maneuver in various environments. Its one-hour endurance ensures extended periods of operation for gathering critical intelligence and executing precise strikes. With an impressive operation range of 200 kilometers or more, this cruise missile can cover vast distances, expanding the scope of its missions. Whether it’s surveillance, reconnaissance, or targeted strikes, the Kemankes Mini Intelligent Cruise Missile ensures versatility and effectiveness.
