The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter-B) is a heavy-class unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Russia's Sukhoi Design Bureau. Featuring a flying-wing design, the S-70 stands out for its advanced composite materials and stealth capabilities.

^{Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B (Haci Productions)}

Design and Development Process

The foundations of the S-70 Okhotnik-B project were laid in 2011. The production of the first prototype was completed in 2017, and the aircraft was first publicly presented in 2019. The Russian Ministry of Defence announced that the unmanned aerial vehicle successfully conducted its maiden flight on August 3, 2019. The aircraft's design primarily resembles flying-wing designs like the US B-2 Spirit and RQ-170 Sentinel. This design aims to minimize the radar cross-section, as well as increase range and flight efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag.

^{Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B (Haci Productions)}

Structural Features

The aircraft's fuselage is made of a high proportion of composite materials to reduce its weight and lower its radar visibility. The smooth surfaces and sharp angles of its outer contours are designed to scatter radar waves. One of the notable features of the aircraft is its concealed engine air intake, which is fully integrated into the main body, enhancing its stealth properties. Similarly, the engine's exhaust outlet has been specially designed and flattened to reduce its infrared signature. The S-70 is quite large, with a wingspan reaching 19 meters, making it a heavy ordnance carriage platform.

Technical Specifications

The S-70 is designed as a heavy UCAV for high-speed and long-range missions.

• Maximum Speed: 1,000 km/h
• Range: 6,000 km
• Armament: It has the capacity to carry various munitions via internal weapon bays. These bays will be able to accommodate laser-guided bombs, air-to-surface missiles, and other precision-guided munitions. It is also stated that the S-70 may carry missiles such as the R-73 or R-77 for use in air-to-air combat.
• Engine: A variant of the Saturn AL-31F or AL-41F turbofan engine

Operational Role and Integration

The most important strategic role of the S-70 Okhotnik-B is to operate alongside Russia's fifth-generation fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-57. The unmanned aerial vehicle will accompany the Su-57 in a "loyal wingman" concept, performing reconnaissance ahead of it, suppressing enemy air defenses (SEAD), and delivering the first strike on targets. Tests were conducted in 2019 where the Su-57 and S-70 flew together autonomously for the first time. This collaboration aims to increase effectiveness in complex air operations by combining the strengths of manned and unmanned platforms. Although some sources have claimed that the aircraft was shot down in Ukraine, these claims have not been independently verified and remain controversial.

^{Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B (Haci Productions)}