Russia claims impressive technical characteristics for the heavy strike UAV S-70 Okhotnik, but "only time will tell whether the Su-57/S-70 tandem will pose the threat Moscow claims." This is according to military expert Maya Karlin in an article for The National Interest.
Russia is developing its own low-observable strike drone, the S-70 Okhotnik, to fly alongside the Su-57 fighter. On paper, the strike UAV possesses low observability, impressive speed, and flight range, but this cannot be confirmed until the S-70 is commissioned.
The Western analyst emphasized that the Russian defense industry operates under sanctions pressure. Given this, the prospect of the Okhotnik entering service "remains uncertain."
According to Russian media, the S-70 Okhotnik features an improved radio-absorbing coating and a reduced effective scattering surface, which contributes to its low observability.
Karlin pointed out that, according to open-source information, the UAV will receive the AL-51F1 engine. The S-70 will also be able to carry Kh-59 type cruise missiles.
Characteristics of the S-70 Okhotnik:
- Wingspan — 19 m
- Length — 14 m
- Takeoff weight — 25 t
- Combat load — 2.8 t
- Service ceiling — 18,000 m
- Maximum speed — 1400 km/h
- Flight range — 6000 km
Read more on the topic:
The National Interest: Su-57 Fighters to Receive S-70 Okhotnik-B Satellite
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