Russia's stealth drone dilemma: Mystery of missing S‑70 okhotnik
The Russian army has lost one of its unique drones. It concerns the new generation S-70 Okhotnik drone, which is likely being regularly tested in combat conditions over Ukrainian territory.
According to the Defence-Ua portal, the Russian army has most likely lost one of the few produced units of the S-70 Okhotnik. This is a new generation unmanned aerial vehicle designed in a flying wing configuration. This impressively sized machine utilises stealth technology and has probably been tested several times over Ukrainian territory.
One less S-70?
Materials have started appearing online, initially believed to show the downing of a Russian Su-25. After considering additional details, a more credible version appeared that it might be the Su-34/35. However, it is quite possible that the recordings show the S-70 Okhotnik - highlights Defence-Ua.
If it is indeed the S-70 Okhotnik, the question arises under what circumstances was it shot down? It seems that the most likely scenario is one where Russian forces destroy their own equipment. Such a radical action could have been prompted by a drone malfunction. Losing control over the S-70 Okhotnik could mean the machine would fall into unauthorised hands, enabling the opponent to gain access to the tested technology.
S-70 Okhotnik in detail
The S-70 Okhotnik is a massive drone. It is a flying wing-type drone of considerable size, hence it is referred to as an unmanned aircraft. It has a wingspan of approximately 19 metres and a length of 14 metres. In its starting configuration, it weighs around 25,000 kilograms, with nearly 3,200 kilograms possibly allocated to weaponry.
The design of the S-70 Okhotnik incorporates technologies from the Su-57 aircraft, including the AL-41F1 engine. The S-70 Okhotnik reaches a maximum speed of about 1,400 kilometres per hour, with a cruising speed of around 900 kilometres per hour. It can operate at a maximum altitude of about 10,400 metres and has a range of up to 6,000 kilometres. Officially, Russia possesses only three units of this drone.
