Bayraktar KALKAN VTOL (, "Kalkan", literally: "Skydagger") is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Baykar defense technology as a versatile and flexible system specifically designed for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions. It was announced for the first time in 2019. Bayraktar VTOL was initially intended to be used in the drone-carrying Landing helicopter dock TCG Anadolu.
History The project was launched in 2019, with subsequent flight tests commenced thereafter. It achieved a total of 30 flight tests as of 7 April 2024.
In early 2025, Baykar announced that they have successfully launched an FPV drone, called "Skydagger", from the aircraft mid-air, demonstrating its "mothership" capability.
The integration of Kalkan VTOL into the Turkish Armed Forces inventory took place aboard the frigate during the Teknofest "Mavi Vatan" (literally: Blue Homeland) event held in Gölcük Naval Shipyard, Turkey on 20 August 2026.
Specifications Kalkan VTOL has purported capabilities of fully autonomous takeoff, cruise, and landing as well as semi-autonomous flight capabilities. The Kalkan VTOL uses four electric motors to assist in take-off and it uses an internal combustion engine during cruising operations.
General Features Wing Span: Body length: Height: Maximum takeoff weight: Payload capacity:
Performance
Cruise speed: 48 KTAS Maximum speed: 55 KTAS Communication range: + Operational range: Operational altitude: Ceiling: Maximum altitude: Endurance: 6 hours (70 hours according to another source)
Advanced Features
Fully automatic flight Autonomous landing and take-off Semi-autonomous flight Triple redundant flight control system Laser distance meter
See also
Baykar Bayraktar TB2 Baykar Bayraktar Akinci TUSAŞ Anka TUSAŞ Aksungur
References
External links Official page