Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B Explained

The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B (ru|Сухой С-70 "Охотник"||Hunter), also referred to as Hunter-B,[1] [2] is a Russian heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) that was being developed during the 2010s by Sukhoi and Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG. Several prototypes underwent flight testing in 2019–2023[3] and, as of January 2024, it was projected that production could begin as early as the second half of 2024.

The drone is based on the earlier Mikoyan Skat, designed by MiG,[4] encompassing some technologies of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet.[5], it was projected to act under the control of pilots of Su-57 jets in a potential future version, similar to the USAF Skyborg program.[6] [7]

First operational use was reported in July 2023 as a reconnaissance flight over Ukraine during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and an out of control S-70 was deliberately shot down by a Russian Su-57 over Ukraine in October 2024.[8] [9]

Development

The Okhotnik has been under development since at least 2011, when Sukhoi was selected by the Russian Defense Ministry to lead a programme for a new heavy unmanned reconnaissance and attack drone.[10] The new UCAV is being jointly developed by MiG and Sukhoi, based on data of the earlier Mikoyan Skat UCAV programme.[4] The work is carried out by the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO), part of the Sukhoi company. In the documents, the drone is characterised as a "sixth-generation unmanned aerial vehicle".[11]

The first mock-up intended for ground tests was created in 2014.[11] Prototype of the drone was first revealed in July 2017, showing the drone's flying wing configuration.[12]

In November 2018, the drone performed first series of taxiing, speeding and stopping tests in fully autonomous mode at a runway of the NAPO plant. During the runs, it reached a maximum speed of 200 km/h.[13] [14]

On 18 January 2019, the third flyable Su-57 prototype (bort no. 053) was spotted wearing a new digital camouflage paint scheme, with digital silhouette of the Okhotnik on its top and underside and unique markings on the vertical tail showing the shape of a UCAV flying alongside the shape of Su-57 with a lightning bolt (universally used to show electronic connectivity and data sharing) between the two.[15] On 24 January 2019, first flyable prototype of the drone was seen towed at the NAPO plant.[16] According to Russian officials, the Su-57 is being used as a flying laboratory for the testing of the Okhotnik's avionics systems.[17]

In late May 2019, Okhotnik performed a series of flight tests during which the drone flew several meters above a runway of the NAPO plant.[18]

On 3 August 2019, Okhotnik performed its maiden flight. The drone flew for about 20 minutes at an altitude of 600 meters above Chkalov State Flight Test Center in Akhtubinsk, and made several circles around the airfield.[19] On August 7, the Russian Defence Ministry released a video of the first flight.[20]

On 27 September 2019, Russian MoD released a video showcasing the first flight of Okhotnik alongside Su-57. Reportedly the UAV flew autonomously for more than 30 minutes, interacting with the Su-57 to test extending the fighter's radar and target designation range to enable use of long-range air-launched weapons from outside enemy air defenses.[21]

On 12 February 2021, it was reported that three additional prototypes were under construction at the Novosibirsk Chkalov Aviation Plant, according to a source in the military-industrial complex. The second model is a modified copy of the 1st prototype, with the 3rd and 4th prototypes identical to the serial production unit. Improvements relate to the systems of onboard radio-electronic equipment and structural elements of the airframe. The three additional prototypes were expected to be ready for flight tests in 2022 and 2023. The source in the military-industrial complex also said that the production Hunter would receive a standard flat nozzle to further reduce thermal and radar signature.[22]

On 28 February 2021, it was reported that the Okhotnik would be used aboard the future Project 23900 Ivan Rogov amphibious assault ships, capable of carrying 4 Okhotnik drones, for reconnaissance and strike missions.[23]

In December 2021, a second prototype with a new flat jet nozzle and no afterburner was shown being towed out of a hangar.[24] [25]

Okhotnik reportedly tested unguided weapons such as free-fall bombs in 2021, and carried out tests with precision-guided munitions in 2022.[25]

In August 2023, it was reported that state tests for the Okhotnik would be completed by the end of 2023, with the drone expected to enter mass production in 2024.[3] The vice-governor of Novosibirsk oblast said in January 2024 that serial production of Okhotnik would begin in the second half of 2024.[26]

Design

thumb|The first S-70 prototype has a non-stealthy circular exhaustThe Okhotnik's design is based on the flying-wing scheme and incorporates use of composite materials and stealth coatings, reducing the drone's radar cross section in flight.[27] It has a weight of about 20 tons and a wingspan of around 65 feet (20 m). The drone is powered either by a single AL-31F turbofan, as used on the Sukhoi Su-27 fighter aircraft, or by the improved AL-41F derivative installed on Su-35S fighters and Su-57 prototypes. The maximum speed of the drone is reportedly 1,000 km/h while carrying its payload internally.[11]

It is a development of the similarly designed flying-wing Mikoyan Skat.[28]

It is likely that the Okhotnik was designed to act as a "loyal wingman" controlled by the Su-57.[29] The S-70 that was shot down in October 2024 during a test flight was deliberately downed by its accompanying Su-57. From an analysis of the wreckage a Ukrainian analyst reported that for guidance the S-70 relies on a basic radio link using the accompanying Su-57 as relay, as opposed to something network-centric like NATO's Link-16, and characterized the S-70 as "more like a glider equipped with basic flight capabilities and radio controls."[30]

While a S-70 model shown at the 2019 MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon has low-observable apertures, the first prototype's exhaust nozzle is conventional, providing no reduction of infrared signature or radar cross section.[31] [32] The second prototype has low-observable apertures.

After a preliminary analysis of the wreckage of the drone shot down in October 2024, a Ukrainian analyst said that it did not have any stealth polymers.[30]

Operational history

On 1 July 2023, one of the reportedly two operational S-70 was photographed while flying over the Sumy region in apparent aerial reconnaissance during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[33]

2024 crash in Ukraine

On 5 October 2024, an S-70 was shot down by an air-to-air missile from a Russian Su-57, near Kostiantynivka, in Ukraine.[34] [35] [36]

Together the S-70 and the Su-57 had taken off from Akhtubinsk Air Base 365miles behind the front line for an operational test flight. The drone apparently lost contact with its ground control and flew in the direction of Ukrainian-controlled territory. By the time attempts to regain control had been abandoned, the drone had crossed the front line into Ukraine and, subsequently, the Russian Su-57 deliberately shot it down. Identifiable pieces of the wreckage included a large, fairly intact portion of a wing and burned parts of a UMPB D-30SN glide bomb and a turbofan engine.[37] [38] [39] The crash site was reportedly targeted by a Russian Iskander ballistic missile in an apparent attempt to deny Ukraine and its allies access to the wreckage, but crash site footage indicated that the wreckage had already been recovered by Ukrainian police for further analysis.[39] [40] [41]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Russian combat UAV Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik made first flight | August 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2019 | Archive News year . 5 August 2019 .
  2. Web site: Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B. globalsecurity.org. 18 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190103004859/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/su-70.htm. 3 January 2019. live. dmy-all.
  3. Web site: ТАСС: испытания беспилотника "Охотник" завершатся в 2023 году . TASS: tests of the Okhotnyk drone will end in 2023 . 9 August 2023. 13 August 2023. ru. военное.рф.
  4. Web site: RSK MiG will work together with Sukhoi on a future unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV), using experience gained on its Skat programme.. Flight Global. 11 August 2011. 6 June 2019. 7 June 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190607171041/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mig-and-sukhoi-to-join-forces-on-russian-ucav-360562/. live.
  5. Web site: How Good Is Russia's New Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B "Hunter" Stealth Drone? | The National Interest . 17 December 2019 . 2020-11-11 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201111181436/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/how-good-russias-new-sukhoi-s-70-okhotnik-b-hunter-stealth-drone-105886 . live .
  6. Web site: Russia is testing its own 'loyal wingman' drone for its Su-57 stealth fighter. businessinsider.com. 7 December 2020.
  7. Web site: S-70 Okhotnik: news from the Russian Loyal Wingman. aviacionline.com. 14 December 2021.
  8. https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/breaking-news-rare-russian-s-70-okhotnik-stealth-drone-reportedly-shot-down-over-donetsk-in-ukraine Rare Russian S-70 Okhotnik Stealth Drone Reportedly Shot Down Over Donetsk in Ukraine
  9. Web site: Mystery of Russia's secret weapon downed in Ukraine . www.bbc.com . 2024-10-12.
  10. Web site: Новые детали НИР "Охотник-Б" и проекта беспилотного летательного аппарата С-70 . New details of the Okhotnyk-B R&D and the S-70 unmanned aerial vehicle project . . 30 July 2017 . 18 February 2019. ru. https://web.archive.org/web/20171108214640/http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2758207.html. 8 November 2017. live. dmy-all.
  11. Web site: Russia's attack drone prototype to start test flights this year. TASS. 8 July 2018. 18 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190218082020/http://tass.com/defense/1012351. 18 February 2019. live. dmy-all.
  12. Web site: Russian Ministry of Defence Released a Video of First UAV Okhotnik Flight. 7 August 2019 .
  13. Web site: Источник: тяжёлый беспилотник "Охотник" на испытаниях разогнался на полосе до 200 км/ч . Source: heavy unmanned aerial vehicle "Hunter" accelerated to 200 km/h during tests . TASS. 23 November 2018. 18 February 2019. ru. https://web.archive.org/web/20190213075648/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5824644. 13 February 2019. live. dmy-all.
  14. Web site: Russian Okhotnik combat drone develops speed of up to 200 km at trials. armyrecognition.com. 26 November 2018. 18 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190102143339/https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/russian_okhotnik_combat_drone_develops_speed_of_up_to_200_km_at_trials.html. 2 January 2019. live. dmy-all.
  15. Web site: Is This Russia's 'Hunter' Stealthy Flying Wing Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle?. Trevithick. Tyler Rogoway and Joseph. The Drive. 23 January 2019 . 2019-08-26. 2019-08-26. https://web.archive.org/web/20190826043324/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26139/is-this-russias-hunter-stealthy-flying-wing-unmanned-combat-air-vehicle. live.
  16. Web site: Фотография первого прототипа беспилотного летательного аппарата по теме "Охотник" . Photo of the first prototype of the unmanned aerial vehicle on the topic "Hunter" . bmpd.livejournal.com. 24 January 2019. 12 February 2019. ru.
  17. Web site: Источник: системы БПЛА "Охотник" испытывают на Су-57 . Source: Okhotnik UAV systems are being tested on the Su-57 . TASS. 29 January 2019. 12 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190131201331/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/6054472. 31 January 2019. live. dmy-all.
  18. Web site: Российский стелс-беспилотник "Охотник" впервые поднялся в воздух . Russian stealth drone "Okhotnik" takes to the air for the first time . interfax.ru. 25 May 2019. 3 July 2019. 3 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190703172410/https://iz.ru/881846/2019-05-25/rossiiskii-stels-bespilotnik-okhotnik-vpervye-podnialsia-v-vozdukh. live.
  19. Web site: Russian heavy strike drone Okhotnik makes first flight. TASS. 3 August 2019. 3 August 2019. 3 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190803172309/https://tass.com/defense/1071784. live.
  20. Web site: Первый полет новейшего беспилотного летательного аппарата "Охотник" . The first flight of the newest unmanned aerial vehicle "Hunter" . . 7 August 2019 . 7 August 2019. 7 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190807121158/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boUaHTI6JxE. live.
  21. Web site: Russia's Okhotnik UAV makes first flight with Su-57 . janes.com . 27 September 2019 . 27 September 2019 . 27 September 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190927143152/https://www.janes.com/article/91559/russia-s-okhotnik-uav-makes-first-flight-with-su-57. live.
  22. Web site: Источник сообщил о строительстве еще трех тяжелых беспилотников "Охотник" . Source reports construction of three more heavy Okhotnik drones . ria.ru . 13 October 2024 . 12 February 2021.
  23. Web site: Источник: на заводе "Залив" начали формировать корпуса будущих кораблей-вертолетоносцев . Source: Zaliv Shipyard Begins to Form Hulls of Future Helicopter Carriers . tass.ru . 13 October 2024 . 28 February 2021.
  24. Web site: Russia rolls out first flight prototype of state-of-the art Okhotnik heavy strike drone . tass.com . 13 October 2024 .
  25. Web site: Russian attack drone S-70 Okhotnik carried out tests with precision-guided munition . www.airdatanews.com . 13 October 2024 . 31 May 2022 .
  26. Web site: Серийный выпуск БПЛА "Охотник" в Новосибирске начнется во второй половине 2024 года . Serial production of the Okhotnik UAV in Novosibirsk will begin in the second half of 2024 . 2024-03-30 . www.aex.ru.
  27. Web site: First photos published of Russia's secret Okhotnik strike drone. rbth.com. 8 February 2019. 18 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190219220756/https://www.rbth.com/science-and-tech/329956-first-photos-published-of-russias. 19 February 2019. live. dmy-all.
  28. Web site: MiG and Sukhoi to join forces on Russian UCAV.
  29. Web site: Russia Prepares To Flight-test the Sukhoi S-70 UCAV. ainonline.com. 25 January 2019. 18 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190218081934/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-01-25/russia-prepares-flight-test-sukhoi-s-70-ucav. 18 February 2019. live. dmy-all.
  30. News: New details emerge on Russia's S-70 drone loss over Ukraine . defence-blog.com . Dylan . Malyasov . 2024-10-06 . 2024-10-06.
  31. Web site: Full Analysis Of The First Flight Of Russia's 'Hunter' Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle. Rogoway. Joseph Trevithick and Tyler. The Drive. 7 August 2019 . 2019-08-26. 2020-11-07. https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235342/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29311/behold-the-first-flight-of-russias-hunter-unmanned-combat-air-vehicle. live.
  32. Web site: Russia's Sukhoi Shows Off Stealthier Vision For Its "Hunter" Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle. Rogoway. Tyler. The Drive. 25 August 2019 . 2019-08-26. 2019-08-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20190825213338/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29559/russias-sukhoi-shows-off-stealthier-vision-for-its-hunter-unmanned-combat-air-vehicle. live.
  33. News: UCAV shaped and sized as a Russian S-70 spotted over Ukraine . bulgarianmilitary.com . Boyko . Nikolov . 2023-07-01 . 2024-10-05.
  34. News: Malyasov . Dylan . 5 October 2024 . Russian S-70 drone reportedly shot down by friendly fire . 5 October 2024 . Defence Blog.
  35. Web site: Воевода Вещает . The Voivode Broadcasts . 2024-10-05 . Telegram.
  36. News: Putin red-faced after his £11,500,000 stealth drone is shot down by own warplane . metro.co.uk . Brooke . Davies . 2024-10-05 . 2024-10-05.
  37. News: Fedorov . Kirill . Fragments of a unique Russian munition found at the crash site of the S-70 Okhotnik. 7 October 2024.
  38. News: Axe . David . David Axe . That Russian Stealth Drone Was On A Bombing Run When It Got Shot Down Over Ukraine . 7 October 2024 . . en.
  39. News: Russia's S-70 Hunter Drone Was Armed When Shot Down By Friendly Fighter Over Ukraine . twz.com . Thomas . Newdick . 2024-10-07 . 2024-10-12.
  40. News: Hambling . David . A Missile Could Not Erase Russian Drone's Embarrassing Stealth Secret . 2024-10-08 . Forbes . en.
  41. Osinttechnical . 1842614854357545180 . I can confirm, based on footage from @PEnssle, that Ukrainian forces have already recovered and removed large, relatively intact pieces of the advanced Russian S-70 Okhotnik UCAV that crashed in Donetsk Oblast. Notably including the wing segment seen in this video.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2025, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.