S-70 Okhotnik

The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B is a Russian heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Sukhoi and Mikoyan. The program began in 2011, utilizing data from the earlier Mikoyan Skat UCAV and technologies from the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter. Manufactured by the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO), the first ground mock-up was completed in 2014, and the flying-wing prototype was revealed in 2017. Following taxi tests in 2018, the S-70 conducted its 20-minute maiden flight on August 3, 2019. State tests were reported as complete by the end of 2023, with serial production projected to begin in the second half of 2024. Two prototypes were confirmed built by early 2024, with additional units under construction.

Design

The aircraft features a flying-wing design constructed with composite materials and stealth coatings. It has a wingspan of 20 meters, an empty weight between 10,000 and 20,000 kg, and a maximum takeoff weight of 25,000 kg. The S-70 is powered by a single AL-41F derivative turbofan engine, reaching a maximum speed of 1,000 km/h and an operational range of 6,000 km. While the first prototype utilized a conventional circular exhaust, subsequent versions incorporate a flat nozzle and low-observable apertures to reduce infrared and radar signatures. The S-70 is designed to operate as a "loyal wingman" under the control of Su-57 pilots, utilizing data sharing to extend the radar and targeting range of the manned aircraft.

Armament

Armament is housed in two internal weapons bays with a total payload capacity of 2,000 kg. The S-70 is compatible with both guided and unguided munitions, including free-fall bombs and precision-guided weapons. It has been documented carrying the UMPB D-30SN glide bomb during operational use.

Operational History

In October 2024, an S-70 was shot down by a Russian Su-57 near Kostiantynivka, Ukraine, after the drone lost contact with ground control and drifted into Ukrainian-controlled airspace. The wreckage indicated the aircraft was armed with a UMPB D-30SN glide bomb at the time of the incident. This deployment followed earlier flight testing at the Chkalov State Flight Test Center and trials involving the Su-57 as a flying laboratory for the drone's avionics.

Variants

• First Prototype: Initial flight vehicle featuring a conventional circular exhaust nozzle and non-stealthy apertures.
• Second Prototype: Modified airframe equipped with a flat jet nozzle and low-observable apertures for signature reduction.
• Third and Fourth Prototypes: Units manufactured to serial production standards with updated radio-electronic equipment and airframe structural refinements.