Build Logs

Follow our journey from concept to competition-ready aircraft

Advanced Composite Integration and Airframe Reinforcement

2026-04-04

Advanced Composite Integration and Airframe Reinforcement

We shifted our focus to armoring METE's 3D-printed airframe with high-strength composite layers. Under the expert leadership of Mentor M. Talha ÇİÇEK, who brings 15 years of aircraft structural experience, we implemented Carbon Fiber and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP/GFRP) application techniques. This phase significantly increased the aircraft's G-force resilience and enhanced its radar-absorbent properties.

Visa Application Processes and Administrative Planning

2026-03-29

Visa Application Processes and Administrative Planning

The U.S. visa application processes were officially initiated for the final stage of the competition. DS-160 forms for all team members have been meticulously completed, and visa appointments have been successfully scheduled.

Robonation Competition Invitation Letter Procedures

2026-03-26

Robonation Competition Invitation Letter Procedures

On March 26, 2026, the official invitation letter procedures required for the international competition organized by Robonation were successfully completed. This step represents a critical phase for formalizing international participation and visa processes.

Object Detection Performance Analysis and Video Testing

2026-03-25

Object Detection Performance Analysis and Video Testing

Object detection results were evaluated using sample test videos to measure METE's proficiency in autonomous "Search and Detect" missions. Under the guidance of Ali KORKMAZ, the model's real-time detection success and stability were rigorously analyzed.

The AI Brain – Big Data and YOLOv11m Optimization

2026-03-23

The AI Brain – Big Data and YOLOv11m Optimization

We shifted our entire focus to the object detection and classification algorithms—the "seeing eye" of METE. Under the guidance of our Founder and Mentor, Ali KORKMAZ, we trained the YOLOv11m model using a massive dataset of 31,000 unique images. The results were outstanding, achieving a 91% mAP50 (Mean Average Precision) score. This success proves that our autonomous target detection precision meets global standards.

SUAS 2026 Official Registration and Payment Confirmed

2026-03-12

SUAS 2026 Official Registration and Payment Confirmed

This week, we successfully completed our official team registration and preliminary application payment for the SUAS 2026 competition. With this step, our METE project is now officially recognized as a contender among elite university and high school teams worldwide.

Team Captain Monitoring and Evaluation Process

2026-01-21

Team Captain Monitoring and Evaluation Process

A monitoring and evaluation session was conducted under the leadership of our Team Captain to review the overall progress of the project. During this process, technical objective completion rates and team coordination were meticulously examined.

Technical Orientation for New Members

2026-01-05

Technical Orientation for New Members

A comprehensive technical training session covering the engineering fundamentals of METE was conducted for our new team members. The training detailed the aircraft's aerodynamic structure, autonomous intelligence, and airframe technology.

Initial 3D Prototype Printing and Form Validation

2025-11-13

Initial 3D Prototype Printing and Form Validation

The first 3D trial prints of critical components designed in SolidWorks were executed. During this phase, the dimensional accuracy and fit tolerances of the digital designs were validated in the physical environment.

Technical Design and Modeling with SolidWorks

2025-11-11

Technical Design and Modeling with SolidWorks

Critical design and optimization studies were conducted on METE's digital twin. During the SolidWorks modeling process led by Mehmet Ali ÜLKER, the aircraft's aerodynamic profile was refined, and assembly analyses of structural components were completed.

Object Detection Dataset Development

2025-11-07

Object Detection Dataset Development

An extensive dataset creation process was conducted to enhance METE's autonomous target recognition capabilities. Under the guidance of Ali KORKMAZ, thousands of images were labeled to build a high-quality data pool aimed at increasing model accuracy.

Progress Review and Planning Meeting

2025-11-03

Progress Review and Planning Meeting

On November 3, 2025, the KARTAL AIR team held a comprehensive consultation meeting regarding the project's current status and future objectives. During the session, completed technical phases were evaluated, and the steps for the upcoming period were finalized.

Digital Showcase and Global Visibility – Website Development

2025-10-25

Digital Showcase and Global Visibility – Website Development

We focused on building our digital platform to showcase METE and our team's progress to the world. We designed a user-friendly, multilingual (Turkish/English) web interface fully compliant with SUAS 2026 regulations (Section 2.4). This platform is not just a promotional tool but a dynamic engineering journal where all technical phases of our project are transparently exhibited.

SUAS 2026 Handbook Review and Strategy Analysis

2025-10-16

SUAS 2026 Handbook Review and Strategy Analysis

Under the leadership of our Team Captain, the SUAS 2026 Handbook was reviewed in detail. During the technical briefing session for team members, competition rules, scoring criteria, and autonomous mission requirements were analyzed, and our project's strategic roadmap was updated.

Project Genesis – Bridging Innovation and Strategy

2025-10-12

Project Genesis – Bridging Innovation and Strategy

Team KARTAL AIR officially launched its SUAS 2026 campaign this week. Our focus was on a comprehensive mission analysis, establishing a high-performance team structure, and defining the core conceptual design of METE, our advanced UAV. We transitioned from theoretical ideas to a strategic roadmap, ensuring full compliance with the competition's safety and operational standards.