S-70 Okhotnik-B

S-70 Okhotnik-B ("Hunter-B") is a heavy, stealth-shaped unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) under development in Russia by Sukhoi in cooperation with Mikoyan, first flown on 3 August 2019. It is intended as a long-range strike and reconnaissance drone that eventually could operate together with, or under the control of, crewed Su-57 stealth fighters.

Overview

Sukhoi was selected in 2011 to lead development of what became the S-70, building on the flying-wing shape and technology of the earlier Mikoyan Skat UCAV concept and incorporating some structural and systems technology from the Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter. A mockup appeared in 2014 and the first prototype was publicly shown in 2017. The programme's long-term goal is a "loyal wingman"-style relationship with the Su-57, similar in concept to the US Air Force's Skyborg programme, in which the drone could operate autonomously or under a fighter pilot's direction.

Design and capabilities

Okhotnik-B is a tailless flying wing with a 20 m wingspan and a maximum take-off weight of about 25,000 kg, powered by a single engine derived from the Su-57's AL-41F turbofan. It has a top speed of about 1,000 km/h and two internal weapons bays able to carry up to about 2,000 kg of guided munitions, with a maximum ferry range cited at around 6,000 km and a combat radius of roughly 3,000 km. Composite structures and low-observable shaping are intended to reduce its radar cross-section; a second prototype introduced revised, more deeply recessed engine intakes and exhaust for improved stealth over the first.

Operational history

Okhotnik-B's first flight, on 3 August 2019 near Akhtubinsk, lasted about 20 minutes at an altitude of 600 m under direct human control, testing takeoff and landing rather than autonomous flight. Two prototypes have flown as of the mid-2020s. On 5 October 2024, an S-70 was lost over Ukraine after losing control during a test flight; Russian and Ukrainian sources gave differing accounts of the loss, and Russia's Ministry of Defence has not confirmed the aircraft has entered production or operational service.

Frequently asked questions

Is the S-70 Okhotnik-B in service?

No. As of the mid-2020s it remains a flight-test programme with a small number of prototypes; it has not been confirmed to have entered production or operational service.

How big is the Okhotnik-B?

It has a 20 m wingspan and a maximum take-off weight of about 25,000 kg, making it one of the largest combat drones under development anywhere.

What weapons can it carry?

Two internal bays able to carry up to about 2,000 kg of guided munitions, intended to keep its radar signature low.

When did the S-70 first fly?

3 August 2019, near Akhtubinsk in Russia.

How is the Okhotnik-B related to the Su-57?

It shares some structural and systems technology with the Su-57 fighter and is intended eventually to operate alongside, or under the direction of, Su-57 pilots.