Meet Our Team
Dedicated engineers pushing the boundaries of autonomous aerial systems
Team Advisor
Mehmet Ali ÜLKER
Team Consultant & SUAS 2026 Coordinator: Avionics Integration, Aerodynamic Analysis, Aviation Standards
As an Aircraft Electronics Educator and the SUAS 2026 Team Coordinator, Mehmet Ali ÜLKER is an aviation professional who bridges 6 years of military aviation discipline (2nd Air Supply and Maintenance Center) with academic leadership. He has served as the Coordinator for the International MEB Robot Competition (RC Fixed Wing Category), playing a pivotal role in establishing technical rules and standards for the industry. Expert in advanced SolidWorks modeling, aerodynamic performance calculations, and additive manufacturing technologies, Ülker is the architect behind SUAS 2025 Finalist projects as well as award-winning TEKNOFEST and TÜBİTAK initiatives. Within KARTAL AIR, he leads avionics system integration, autonomous flight algorithms, and strategic team management, ensuring the technical excellence of the METE UAV platform.
Team Members
Ali KORKMAZ
Founder & Strategic Mentor: Project Management, AI Object Detection, International Competition Standards
Combining 16 years of Information Technology teaching experience with strategic leadership, Ali Korkmaz served as the Chief Assistant Director at Merkez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School between 2016-2025. Currently, he continues his administrative career as the Assistant Director at the Aviation and Space Technologies MTAL. As the founder and manager of the KARTAL AIR UAV team, Korkmaz has provided 6 years of dedicated mentorship. Beyond strategic project management and competition discipline, he provides specialized technical support in AI Object Detection, the core of the aircraft's autonomous capabilities. Successfully leading his team in global arenas such as SUAS, TEKNOFEST, and TÜBİTAK, he bridges the gap between vocational education and high-tech innovation. A devoted nature lover, Korkmaz balances his professional life with hiking, football, and table tennis. He is married and the father of two daughters.
M.Talha ÇİÇEK
Mentor: Advanced Composite Technologies & Structural Aircraft Repair
An alumnus of Merkez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, M. Talha ÇİÇEK brings 15 years of extensive professional experience in the maintenance and repair of aircraft structural composite units. Returning to his alma mater to support its technological vision, he serves as a mentor for the Kartal Air team. He provides expert technical guidance on the manufacturing of METE UAV's high-strength composite airframe, material selection, and structural integrity validation processes.
Erkan ÜREY
Project Consultant & Scientific Methodology Mentor: Gifted and Talented Education, International Project Management (Erasmus+), Science Competition Strategy
With 21 years of experience as a Science Educator, Erkan ÜREY has dedicated the last 13 years to specialized education and project development for gifted and high-IQ students. Throughout his career, he has led numerous national and international scientific initiatives, providing expert consultancy for award-winning projects in prestigious competitions such as TÜBİTAK. As an Erasmus project consultant and coordinator for 10 years, Ürey has facilitated numerous cross-border educational activities across Europe, empowering students to excel in the international arena. For the past 4 years, he has served as a Project Consultant and Mentor for KARTAL AIR, where he oversees scientific methodology, global integration, and strategic project structuring for the METE UAV platform
Ahmet Emirhan TÜRKMEN
Team Captain, Mission Commander & Official Liaison : Leading mission strategy and coordinating all competition operations with focus on autonomous systems integration.
With a passion for aviation that took root during his high school years, Ahmet Emirhan Türkmen is currently a junior Mechanical Engineering student at Abdullah Gül University. Alongside his academic pursuits, he serves as the Mechanical Engineering Student Representative in the University Senate. By founding a UAV team at his university, he led groundbreaking projects and achieved original designs within just two years. Having gained extensive experience through TEKNOFEST, MEB Robot, and various exhibitions, he now leads KARTAL AIR as the Team Captain. Responsible for team organization, strategic workflow planning, and autonomous systems management, Türkmen is also an avid fan of competitive gaming, exploring new destinations, and socializing with his teammates.
Berat KAYUR
Flight Software & Autonomy, Autonomous Navigation, ODLC Algorithms & GCS Operations: Expert in ground control systems and real-time flight software for autonomous mission execution.
Turning his childhood passion for aviation into professional expertise, Berat Kayur is a senior student in the Aircraft Maintenance and Avionics department and a 4-year veteran of KARTAL AIR. He leads the development of autonomous Ground Control Stations (GCS), real-time image processing, and instant decision-making automations. Beyond his core focus, Berat is proficient in a vast engineering stack including SolidWorks, XFLR5, and Ansys, as well as 3D manufacturing and digital media suites. As an aspiring engineer, he is dedicated to creating innovative solutions and contributing to the global aerospace ecosystem.
Nuri Kağan VARİNLİ
Flight Software & Autonomy, Autonomous Navigation, ODLC Algorithms & GCS Operations: Leading autonomous navigation systems development and ODLC algorithm optimization.
Driven by a deep passion for aviation technology, Nuri Kağan Varinli specializes in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Within KARTAL AIR, he focuses on avionics systems, flight controllers, and autonomous flight software. By developing projects through image processing and a rigorous engineering approach, Nuri Kağan is continuously expanding his technical expertise, aiming to contribute innovative solutions to the future of the aerospace and defense industries.
Beren Nisa MEMNUN
Responsible for developing image processing algorithms for autonomous missions, optimizing target detection (IFF) systems, and coding Raspberry Pi-based mission software.
A sophomore in the Project Department at Yaman Dede Girls' Anatolian Imam Hatip High School, Beren Nisa Memnun has been deeply involved in software, robotics, and programming for five years. With a strong track record in competitions like TEKNOFEST and MEB Robot, she now contributes to KARTAL AIR by developing image processing algorithms and coding Raspberry Pi-based mission software. Having gained international perspective through the Erasmus+ program in Croatia, she balances her technical prowess with her interests in snowboarding, swimming, and playing the guitar.
Ahmet Talha SAYLAN
Hardware & Integration, Aerodynamics, Airframe Construction & Payload Mechanics: Focused on systems integration and avionics hardware implementation for autonomous flight.
A student in the Aircraft Maintenance Department at Kayseri Merkez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, Ahmet Talha Saylan has developed versatile expertise in UAV technologies. Within KARTAL AIR, he manages airframe construction, mechanical assembly, and hardware integration processes. In addition to his mechanical proficiency, he enhances system efficiency through avionics installation and electronic troubleshooting. Working on the operational reliability of the platform for the SUAS project, Saylan aims to take active roles in innovative projects within the aerospace and defense industry.
Nurefşan ÖZYURT
Hardware & Integration, Aerodynamics, Airframe Construction & Payload Mechanics: Expert in aerodynamic design and composite airframe construction with focus on structural optimization.
Continuing her education in the Aircraft Maintenance Department at Kayseri Merkez MTAL, Nurefşan Özyurt specializes in mechanical system design, fuselage assembly, and hardware integration. Adopting aeronautical standards as her core principle, she views mechanical structures not merely as static components but as critical engineering elements that dictate a UAV's dynamic performance. Aspiring to lead innovative projects as a future Aircraft Engineer, Nurefşan ensures the technical integrity of KARTAL AIR platforms through her solution-oriented discipline and expertise in complex system integration.
Tuğba ÜSTÜNEL
Hardware & Integration, Aerodynamics, Airframe Construction & Payload Mechanics: Specializing in payload integration and mechanical systems engineering for autonomous delivery.
A student in the Aircraft Maintenance Department at Merkez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, Tuğba Üstünel has dedicated the past four years to her passion for aviation, focusing on UAVs and avionics systems. Within KARTAL AIR, she plays a vital role in mechanical system design, assembly phases, and material selection. Specializing in 3D printing technologies, she leads the team's production processes while also advancing her skills in UAV piloting. By closely following global aerospace trends, Tuğba aims to combine her theoretical research with hands-on manufacturing to drive the team’s success.
Eralp BALKAÇ
Responsible for the configuration of Pixhawk flight controllers, sensor fusion (GPS, barometer, etc.), power distribution systems, and the electronic wiring architecture on the UAV.
Born in 2010 and a student at Kayseri Merkez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, Eralp Balkaç is deeply passionate about aviation and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV). He is focused on advancing his technical expertise in electricity and electronics. As a member of the KARTAL AIR technical team, Eralp works on electronic system integration and infrastructure processes. An avid follower of technological trends, he aims to specialize in future aerospace solutions. Outside of his technical studies, he enjoys playing football, staying active through sports, and listening to music.
Avni Berk YAYLA
Responsible for 3D modeling of the airframe via SolidWorks, performing aerodynamic analyses, and managing the manufacturing processes (3D printing, composites, etc.) of modular components.
A student in the Aircraft Maintenance Department at Merkez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, Avni Berk Yayla specializes in aircraft avionics systems. He enhances his theoretical knowledge through personal R&D projects and electronic engineering in his private workshop. With an academic approach to tracking technological innovations in the aviation industry, his career goal is to become an Avionics Technician at global organizations like Turkish Airlines (THY) and launch ventures that add value to the aerospace sector. He integrates his disciplined work ethic with football, providing professional expertise to the KARTAL AIR team.
Mehmet ERKARA
Documentation & Operations, Technical Writing & Strategic Planning: Responsible for comprehensive technical documentation and strategic planning for SUAS 2026 competition.
A sophomore in the Aircraft Maintenance Department at Merkez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, Mehmet Erkara is dedicated to advancing his technical expertise in aviation and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV). Serving as the Documentation Member for KARTAL AIR, he is responsible for preparing technical reports, recording project milestones, and organizing international competition documentation. He aims to build a professional career in the autonomous systems and aerospace industry.
Elif Azra ŞARLI
Documentation & Operations, Technical Writing & Strategic Planning: Specializing in technical documentation, operational procedures, and competition deliverables preparation.
Born in 2010 and currently studying at Kayseri Merkez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, Elif Azra Şarlı blends academic rigor with a profound background in competitive sports. Having practiced kickboxing since age 7 and professional MMA since age 13, she has developed exceptional resilience under pressure and a high-performance work ethic. Elif Azra translates these strategic skills into her technical role within KARTAL AIR, where she focuses on R&D for next-generation technologies and field operations. With a mindset centered on continuous learning and innovation, she aims to provide high-impact contributions to advanced aerospace projects.
Uğur ÖZKARDAŞ
Responsible for managing the team's social media presence, updating website content, and coordinating corporate partnerships and sponsorship processes for international competitions like SUAS.
Born in 2011, Uğur Özkardaş is a freshman in the Aircraft Maintenance Department at Merkez Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School. Having entered technical education with a strong LGS score of 408, Uğur excels in Electrical Circuit Analysis and Mathematics. As a member of KARTAL AIR, he focuses on UAV systems and electrical-electronic infrastructure development. His ultimate career goal is to become a pilot for Turkish Airlines. An amateur football and table tennis enthusiast, Uğur is dedicated to becoming a highly skilled professional in the aerospace industry.
16
Team Members
4
Specialized Divisions
100+
Engineering Hours
1
Mission Goal