Anka-S. is a serial production configuration of Anka. It is equipped with a SATCOM antenna, and a national flight control computer. Like Block A and Block B. Anka-S is powered by Thielert Centurion 2.0S. On the other hand. Turkish Engine Industries (TEI), indigenously developed TEI PD 170, and PD 180st engines, that are capable of running with diesel and JP-8 jet fuel.
In 2016. media reported that the TAI was manufacturing 4 Anka-S UAVs for the armed forces. The first two of these aircraft were to be equipped with StarFIRE 380-HDL FLIR payload. However. these would be replaced with Aselsan CATS later on.
On 17 August 2018. Directorate for Defence Industries announced that, the Anka-S completed its first live fire tests. The platform was tested with MAM-L ammunition, developed by the Roketsan. In September. Ismail Demir, director of the Turkey's defence industry authority, shared a picture of the first Anka-S equipped with Aselsan CATS optical system. TAI delivered 2 more Anka-S to Turkish Air Force in September 2018, increasing the Anka-S inventory of Turkish Air Force to 8 aircraft. TAI is planning to deliver a total of 10 Anka-S to Turkish Air Force before 2019.
Anka drone, successfully set a new flight record, staying in the air for 30 hours and 30 minutes, according to Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), a manufacturing company .
The UCAV Anka, which broke the flight record, is expected to be in the next generation Anka configuration.
The next generation Anka drone is based on the Anka-S UCAV, which is already included in the inventory of the Turkish security forces.
In June last year. Turkey-based defense industry news platform, SavunmaSanayi ST.com reported. TAI had delivered four newly configured Anka-S drones, two of which have been allocated to the Turkish Navy, while the country's air force will deploy the other two.
In an interview with the news site, TAI Deputy Chief of UAV Systems, said. the main difference between the new generation and the current Anka-S is, in the wing and wing profile.
The Anka-S UAV has a payload capacity of up to 250 kilograms, and can stay in the air for up to 24 hours. With the new configuration, it can now carry up to 350 kilograms, and stay in the air for up to 30 hours.
The Anka-S configuration, with Beyond Line of Sight, capability via satellite link, is used by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), and Gendarmerie units.
Meanwhile. the Anka-B configuration, which has Link Relay capability, is also used by TSK and Gendarmerie. Anka-I, on the other hand, is operated by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), and is used in signal intelligence.
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