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turkish-Made ‘Tlay‘ Drone Revives Ekranoplan Technology with AI Integration
Published: October 26,2023
A newly developed Turkish drone, dubbed ‘Tlay,’ is generating meaningful interest in the defense sector due to its unique design and capabilities, drawing parallels to the Soviet-era Ekranoplan.The drone utilizes ground effect, flying at extremely low altitudes – typically within a few meters of the surface – to achieve increased efficiency and reduced radar visibility. This technology, pioneered by rostislav Alexeyev in the 1960s with the KM and Lun-class Ekranoplans, had largely faded from prominence until now.
The Tlay drone boasts a payload capacity of 30 kilograms (approximately 66 pounds), allowing it to carry a diverse range of equipment. Its operational concept frequently enough involves single-flight missions, mitigating concerns about corrosion from saltwater exposure, a potential issue for prolonged use in maritime environments. Even in reconnaissance roles, the drone’s limited lifespan reduces the impact of saline water on its components.
While primarily operating at low altitudes, the Tlay is capable of ascending to a maximum altitude of 100 meters (approximately 328 feet) when required, enabling vertical take-off and landing capabilities. This allows for flexible deployment and operation in varied terrains.
A key feature of the Tlay drone is its integrated artificial intelligence (AI). Turkish engineers are developing the capability for swarm operations, where multiple drones collaborate and divide tasks to achieve a unified objective. This networked approach substantially enhances operational effectiveness and resilience. The resurgence of Ekranoplan principles in the Tlay drone represents a notable advancement in unmanned aerial vehicle technology.
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Toyota’s Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell truck Prioritizes hybrid Approach Over Full Electrification – toyota Motor Corporation has opted for a hybrid diesel-electric configuration for its recently unveiled heavy-duty fuel cell truck, despite having the capacity to fully electrify the vehicle. The decision, revealed by industry sources, highlights a pragmatic approach to decarbonizing long-haul transportation.
The truck, designed for port operations and potentially long-distance freight, weighs 11,747 kg (approximately 25,898 lbs) including onboard fluids. Analysis indicates that replacing the existing engine with batteries would have allowed for the installation of up to 11.5 tons (11,500 kg) of battery capacity without exceeding the vehicle’s weight limit. This potential battery weight could have yielded approximately 2,300 kWh of stored energy, assuming an energy density of 180-200 Wh/kg.
The truck’s electric motors, under maximum load, draw 2.3-2.4 MW of electrical power. A 2.3 mwh battery pack would theoretically provide sufficient power for 2-3 operational cycles, even considering the truck’s pantograph system for overhead line charging. The pantograph allows for high-power charging during loading and unloading, potentially eliminating the need for dedicated charging time. Regenerative braking further enhances energy efficiency.
Despite this feasibility, Toyota engineers have chosen to equip the truck with a Diesel V18 engine alongside the fuel cell and pantograph system. This configuration offers a “prepared for pure electric propulsion” capability, with the diesel engine providing a reliable backup and enabling a flexible, hybrid operation. The advanced pantograph system allows for autonomous control of both diesel and electric power sources. This approach is seen as a more cautious step towards full electrification, acknowledging current infrastructure limitations and operational demands.
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