Turkish media reported that Russia used the S-70 Okhotnik heavy stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to attack the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the Sumy region.
Images on Telegram channels show at least two UAVs flying over Ukrainian airspace that are consistent in shape and size with the Okhotnik (Hunter).
In June 2022, RIA Novosti news agency reported that the S-70B Okhotnik conducted tests of launching precision-guided munitions (PGMs) against ground targets. The warhead fired was an air-to-ground missile developed for the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet.
Observers believe that this missile could be the Kh-59Mk2, a backup cruise missile developed based on the heavy tactical missile Kh-59 that has been put into service since the early 1980s.
Estimates of the Kh-59Mk2's range and payload vary, but agree on its ability to reach targets at least 150 miles away with a 500 lb warhead. The missile's modular design allows for multiple configurations, such as a larger fuel tank for longer range at the expense of carrying a smaller warhead.
Earlier, in February 2020, Izvestia reported that the Grom (Thunder) 9-A-7759 glide bomb had been integrated into the Okhotnik. The drone can carry four Groms in its internal compartment.
According to open source information, two Russian Okhotnik prototypes are currently undergoing flight testing and two more are being built/tested. The first prototype with non-stealthy circular exhausts took to the air for the first time in early August 2019.
The prototypes were then refined in terms of aerodynamic design and components based on the experience of operating the first Okhotnik. Notably, this UAV has improved stealth features with improved electronics and software.
Remote control fighter plane
Russian defense officials have confirmed that Okhotnik can operate under the control of a Su-57 fighter pilot.
“These aircraft and UAVs can not only interact with each other, but also coordinate in various combat formations. In a very short time, Okhotnik control will be possible from the Su-57 cockpit,” Andrey Yelchaninov, First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Military-Industrial Commission, said in April 2021.
The Su-57 manned stealth fighter and the S-70 heavy stealth drone are different but have complementary aerodynamic designs.
The Su-57 was designed and developed to address the threat posed by the US F-22 Raptor and F-35 stealth fighters. However, the main fighter of the Russian Aerospace Forces is not equipped with radio-frequency stealth features.
Meanwhile, the Okhotnik has stronger stealth features, such as low radio frequency and infrared signal suppression, similar to the features of the F-22 and F-35. Not only that, with a weight of 20 to 25 tons, the Okhotnik can also carry many weapons.
The UAV can penetrate contested airspace undetected to destroy important enemy targets. At this time, the Su-57 will act as a “protector” for the S-70 in case it is ambushed by enemy fighters. Operating together, the Su-57 and Okhotnik will be capable and flexible in combat.
“Nightmare” with air defense radar
Detecting and intercepting the Okhotnik is also more difficult for Ukraine, as its (and Western) radar and air defense systems are not well equipped to deal with Russia's stealth vehicles.
Storm Shadow, the famous British stealth cruise missile with low radar signature and high flight speed, still cannot penetrate Moscow's air defense radar network. These missiles mainly evade interception by taking advantage of terrain and smart routers.
Okhotnik can penetrate enemy airspace, attack targets on its own or transfer target information to supporting Su-57 fighters or missile batteries.
Operating under the control of a Su-57 fighter jet, the Okhotnik could be much more effective than cruise missiles in attacking targets deep behind enemy lines.
Based on previous reports, the Russian Defense Ministry plans to create an Okhotniks detachment in the western and southern military districts by 2024.
(According to EurAsian Times)
Source
Comment (0)