From its software to its prototyping, TOPEL 1, which is completely signed by University of Kyrenia students, has been designed with all the features that can be used in reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
TRNC’s domestic UAV; It bears the name of Pilot Captain Cengiz Topel, who was martyred on 8 August 1964 during the Turkish Air Force’s operation to support the Erenköy Struggle in Cyprus.
Ahmet Furkan Laz, a second-year student at the University of Kyrenia Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, who is the leader of the team that designed and produced TOPEL-1, said that they worked for more than 1.5 years to develop, design and prototype the TOPEL-1 unmanned aerial vehicle. Ahmet Furkan Laz said, “The successful completion of the test flight of TOPEL-1, which we completed with the facilities provided by our university and with a great teamwork of 22 people, made us all proud. We continued our lessons during the day and slept in the laboratories at night. Together with the project, University of Kyrenia Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics He provided us with the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the field of aviation with his contribution in the applied training we received in Turkey. With TOPEL-1, we will represent the TRNC in national or international events such as TEKNOFEST in the coming period.”
Emphasizing that the successful realization of the test flights of TOPEL-1, which was developed with great effort by 22 students, is a great pride not only for the University of Kyrenia, but also for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, University of Kyrenia Rector Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu said, “We are proud of our students. TOPEL-1, which is developed and successfully flown by our students, is a very good example of what Turkish youth can achieve if given support. We will continue to stand by all students studying in 15 faculties of our university with all our means.”
