Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B

Sukhoi

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Founded	1939
Headquarters	Moscow , Russia
Parent	United Aircraft Corporation

Overview

The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B (Russian: Сухой С-70 "Охотник", lit. 'Hunter'), also known as Hunter-B, represents a Russian stealth-class heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) currently under development by Sukhoi in collaboration with Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG. Multiple prototypes have been subjected to flight trials between 2019 and 2023, with production anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2024 as of early 2024.

This unmanned system draws its design lineage from the earlier Mikoyan Skat UCAV developed by MiG, and incorporates technological elements derived from the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet. As of 2021, plans envisioned the S-70 operating in coordination with Su-57 pilots, functioning similarly to the United States Air Force's Skyborg program.

In October 2024, an uncontrolled S-70 unit was intentionally downed by a Russian Su-57 aircraft over Ukrainian territory.

Development

Development of the Okhotnik commenced no later than 2011, when Sukhoi was appointed by the Russian Defense Ministry to spearhead a program focused on a new heavy unmanned reconnaissance and strike drone. This UCAV project is a collaborative effort between MiG and Sukhoi, drawing on insights from the earlier Mikoyan Skat UCAV initiative. The work is conducted at the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO), a Sukhoi subsidiary. Official documentation classifies the drone as a "sixth-generation unmanned aerial vehicle."

A full-scale mock-up intended for ground-based evaluations was completed in 2014. The drone prototype was publicly unveiled in July 2017, revealing its flying wing design. In November 2018, the drone underwent its initial series of fully autonomous taxiing tests on the NAPO runway, reaching speeds up to 200 km/h.

On 18 January 2019, the third flyable Su-57 prototype (tail number 053) appeared with a new digital camouflage pattern featuring a digital silhouette of the Okhotnik on both upper and lower surfaces. Unique markings on the vertical stabilizer depicted the outline of a UCAV flying alongside the Su-57, connected by a lightning bolt symbolizing electronic data exchange. A week later, on 24 January 2019, the first flyable Okhotnik prototype was observed being towed at the NAPO facility. Russian officials have indicated that the Su-57 serves as a flying testbed for evaluating Okhotnik’s avionics systems.

By late May 2019, Okhotnik conducted flight tests involving brief hops just above the NAPO runway. The drone completed its maiden flight on 3 August 2019, flying approximately 20 minutes at an altitude near 600 meters over the Chkalov State Flight Test Center in Akhtubinsk, performing multiple circuits around the airfield. A video of this inaugural flight was released by the Russian Defence Ministry on 7 August 2019.

On 27 September 2019, a video was published showing Okhotnik flying in tandem with a Su-57. The UAV reportedly operated autonomously for over half an hour, coordinating with the fighter jet to extend radar detection and target designation capabilities, enabling deployment of long-range air-launched weapons from beyond hostile air defense zones.

As of 12 February 2021, sources within the military-industrial complex revealed that three further prototypes were under construction at Novosibirsk's Chkalov Aviation Plant. The second prototype represents an updated version of the initial model, while the third and fourth are identical to planned serial production units. Enhancements focus on onboard electronic systems and structural components. These additional prototypes were expected to be flight-ready in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Furthermore, production models are slated to feature a conventional flat nozzle designed to reduce thermal and radar signatures.

On 28 February 2021, it was disclosed that the Okhotnik would be deployed aboard forthcoming Project 23900 Ivan Rogov-class amphibious assault ships, each capable of carrying four drones for reconnaissance and strike roles.

In December 2021, a second prototype equipped with a new flat jet nozzle and lacking an afterburner was photographed being moved out of a hangar. During 2021, Okhotnik reportedly tested unguided ordnance such as free-fall bombs, followed by trials involving precision-guided munitions in 2022.

By August 2023, reports indicated that state acceptance testing for Okhotnik would conclude by year-end, with mass production anticipated to commence in 2024. In January 2024, the vice-governor of Novosibirsk oblast confirmed that serial manufacturing would begin during the latter half of that year.

Design

File:S-70 takeoff rear view.png

The initial S-70 prototype features a circular exhaust lacking stealth characteristics

The Okhotnik's configuration follows a flying-wing layout, utilizing composite materials alongside stealth coatings to minimize the drone's radar cross section during flight. It weighs approximately 20 tons and spans about 65 feet (20 meters) in wingspan. Propulsion is provided by either a single AL-31F turbofan engine, identical to that used on the Sukhoi Su-27 fighter, or an advanced variant, the AL-41F, which powers Su-35S fighters and Su-57 prototypes. The drone reportedly achieves a top speed near 1,000 km/h while carrying its payload internally.

This UAV is an evolution of the similarly configured flying-wing Mikoyan Skat design.

The Okhotnik is presumed to function as a "loyal wingman" operated in coordination with the Su-57 fighter.

Although the S-70 model displayed at the 2019 MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon incorporates low-observable intakes and apertures, the exhaust nozzle on the first prototype remains conventional, offering no reduction in either infrared signature or radar cross section. In contrast, the second prototype features low-observable apertures designed to enhance stealth capabilities.

Operational history

File:NASA FIRMS 2024-10-05 Chasiv Yar.png

At 10:43 (UTC) on the day the incident occurred, NASA's FIRMS detected a fire close to a cluster of farmhouses located between Chasiv Yar and Kostiantynivka

On 5 October 2024, an S-70 drone was downed by an air-to-air missile launched from a Russian Su-57 near Kostiantynivka, Ukraine.

Both the Su-57 and the S-70 had departed from Akhtubinsk Air Base, situated approximately 365 miles (587 km) behind the front line, for a test flight. During the mission, the drone seemingly lost communication with its ground operators and proceeded toward territory controlled by Ukraine. Efforts to reestablish control were eventually abandoned after the drone crossed into Ukrainian-held areas. Subsequently, the Russian Su-57 intentionally engaged and destroyed the drone. Among the recovered debris were a sizable and relatively intact wing section, charred fragments of a UMPB D-30SN glide bomb, and components of a turbofan engine.

Reports indicate that the crash location was subsequently struck by a Russian Iskander ballistic missile, apparently aiming to prevent Ukrainian forces and their allies from accessing the wreckage. However, footage from the site showed that Ukrainian police had already secured and removed significant portions of the debris for examination.

External links

• Sukhoi Design Bureau Archived 2020-09-17 at the Wayback Machine