Ukrainian findings reveal western tech in shot-down Russian drone
Ukrainians have released the results of their analysis on the wreckage of an S-70 Okhotnik prototype strike drone, which the Russians shot down near Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region on October 5. Here’s what the Ukrainians discovered.
The analysis of the Russian wreck revealed a multitude of Western electronic components from companies such as Maxim Integrated Products, Infineon Technologies, Xilinx Inc, Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, Fairchild Semiconductor, and STMicroelectronics.
It's worth noting that some components were manufactured in 2022, indicating they reached Russian hands after the full-scale war in Ukraine began. Another interesting point is that these are not strictly military components but civilian ones installed in items like car engine controllers, or available for purchase on auction sites or from wholesalers.
How the Russians are acquiring electronics
This situation makes cutting off Russia from modern electronics almost impossible, similar to the case with Iran. For example, AMD Xilinx XA7Z010 family components are available for open sale, and it's just a matter of choosing a variant whose performance meets the buyer's minimum requirements.
There will always be intermediaries globally, such as those in Kazakhstan, willing to supply Russia with electronic components for several times the market price. Another source is dismantling equipment that contains necessary components. This includes household appliances, cars, or their wreckages. For instance, in North Korean KN-23 missiles, Toyota car bearings are used as analogs due to the lack of dedicated bearings.
S-70 Okhotnik — the Russian loyal wingman for the Su-57
The S-70 Okhotnik is Russia's take on the concept of unmanned loyal wingmen being developed by major military forces worldwide. Developed by the Sukhoi company, the Russian strike drone first flew in 2019, and according to 2021 reports, three units were to be built in addition to the prototype.
The unit likely shot down by the Russians themselves over Ukraine could belong to this batch, especially considering the year of the electronic components used.
In terms of design, it is a flying wing drone made with stealth technology. Its dimensions are comparable to a full-fledged aircraft, with a wingspan of approximately 62 feet, a length of 46 feet, and a takeoff weight of about 55,000 pounds.
The drone is designed to have two bomb bays, each about 15 feet long, capable of carrying a payload of up to 6,600 pounds in total. This allows for the transport of guided bombs, such as FAB with UMPK modules. It is intended to collaborate with fighters like the Su-57, with which it also shares the AL-41F1 engine.
