The new system will feature an EO/IR pod under the nose. (Janes/Sonny Butterworth)
Turkey's Lentatek – formerly known as Vestel and manufacturer of the Karayel unmanned aircraft system – is developing a new version of the Kargi loitering munition.
The yet-to-be-named system was unveiled at ADEX 2022 and maintains the base platform of Kargi but introduces a new target locating and identification system in the form of an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) turret.
The EO/IR pod is mounted under the nose of the aircraft and replaces the RF seeker that is used for targeting in the Kargi.
Janes understands that the concept of operations for the new system will see it employed against a wider range of targets than the Kargi, which is designed to engage radar and other systems that emit an RF signature. Through its EO/IR pod the new system will be able to scan a wide area and identify potential targets. It will maintain the Kargi's radar suppressing capability and high explosive warhead.
Kargi was developed by a consortium of companies – led by Lentatek and including Aselsan , TEI, and Tübitak Sage and under an initiative of the Turkish Ministry of Defence through Tübitak (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey). The air vehicle features TEI's PG50 two-stroke gasoline engine powering a two-bladed pusher propeller. It is launched from a cannister via a rocket system before the engine is engaged. The new system is being developed by Lentatek alone.
It is understood that the Kargi will replace IAI's Harop loitering munition, which is in service with the Turkish military.
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