The Çağatay VTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle represents an important step forward in Türkiye’s growing unmanned systems ecosystem. Developed by UAVERA Havacılık Sistemleri A.Ş., a defense and aviation initiative backed by Coşkunöz Holding, the platform has been designed to meet both military and civilian operational needs. Thanks to its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, the Çağatay eliminates the requirement for runways, enabling effective operations from confined or austere environments.

Commonly referred to as the Çağatay CGT50, the UAV features a hybrid propulsion architecture. During vertical takeoff and landing phases, the aircraft relies on electric motors, while an internal combustion engine is engaged during forward flight. This configuration combines the flexibility of rotary-wing platforms with the endurance and range advantages of fixed-wing aircraft. With an endurance of approximately six hours, a communication range between 50 and 150 kilometers depending on configuration, and a payload capacity of around five kilograms, the Çağatay is well suited for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

The platform is equipped with advanced flight control software and full autonomous mission capability, allowing it to conduct operations from takeoff to landing without operator intervention. Satellite-supported control options and multiple autonomous flight modes enhance reliability, particularly in challenging weather conditions. Its 4.65-meter wingspan enables stable flight performance while supporting the integration of various sensors and mission-specific payloads.

Beyond military applications, the Çağatay VTOL UAV has also been designed with civilian missions in mind. These include post-disaster damage assessment, environmental monitoring, and land surveying. In addition, the platform has entered service as a training UAV within the inventory of Türk Hava Kurumu Teknik A.Ş., marking an important milestone in institutional cooperation and domestic capability development.

Developed largely with local resources in terms of research and development, design, production, and control software, the Çağatay VTOL UAV underscores Türkiye’s commitment to indigenous technology. The project not only contributes to UAV development but also strengthens national expertise in aviation subsystems and electronic control technologies, reinforcing the country’s long-term defense and aerospace objectives.