Russian stealth drone S‑70 Okhotnik possibly downed in Ukraine
3:06 PM EDT, October 5, 2024
The Russian army has apparently lost a unique machine: the new generation S-70 Okhotnik drone, which is likely being tested in combat conditions on 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 new generation unmanned aerial vehicle is designed in a flying wing configuration. This impressively sized machine employs 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 suggested it was a Su-34/35. However, it is quite possible that the recordings actually 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 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. Loss of control over the S-70 Okhotnik could mean the machine would fall into unauthorized hands, allowing the opponent access to its technology.
S-70 okhotnik in detail
The S-70 Okhotnik is a massive machine. It is a flying wing-type drone of considerable size, which is why it is referred to as an unmanned aircraft. It has a wingspan of 62 feet and a length of 46 feet. In its starting configuration, it weighs 55,000 pounds, with nearly 7,000 pounds 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 870 mph, with a cruising speed of about 560 mph. It can operate at a maximum altitude of 34,000 feet and has a range of up to 3,730 miles. Officially, Russia possesses only three units of this machine.
