A TASS source close to the command of the Russian Aerospace Forces reported that state tests of the heavy strike drone "Okhotnik" will be completed this year. And then – mass production launch.
According to existing plans, the state tests of the "Okhotnik" should be completed by the end of this year, and mass production with delivery to the troops will be launched from the beginning of 2024. The contract provides for the supply of several dozen aircraft.
The S-70 "Okhotnik" was developed at the "Sukhoi Design Bureau" and will be produced at the Chkalov Novosibirsk Aviation Plant (part of the United Aircraft Corporation of "Rostec").
The "Okhotnik" is 14 m long and has a wingspan of 19 m. The take-off weight is almost like that of a fighter – 25 tons. There is no exact data on the weight of the combat load: there is data on both 2.8 and 8 tons. It is expected that the maximum speed will exceed 1000 km/h, and the flight range will be 6 thousand km.
The drone will carry guided missiles, guided bombs, unguided bombs in the internal compartment, as well as on the suspension.