Engineering:Sukhoi Okhotnik
The Sukhoi Okhotnik or Sukhoi S-70 "Okhotnik" (Russian: Сухой С-70 "Охотник", lit. 'Hunter'), also referred to as Okhotnik-B[1], is a Russian stealth heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) being developed by Sukhoi as a sixth-generation aircraft project.[2] The drone is based on the earlier Mikoyan Skat, designed by MiG,[3] and encompassing some technologies of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet.[4]
Development
The Okhotnik has been under development since at least 2011, when Sukhoi was selected by the Russian Defence Ministry to lead a programme for a new heavy unmanned reconnaissance and attack drone.[2][5] The new UCAV is being jointly developed by MiG and Sukhoi, based on data of the earlier Mikoyan Skat UCAV programme.[3] The work is carried out by the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association, part of the Sukhoi company. In the documents, the drone is characterised as a "sixth-generation unmanned aerial vehicle".[5]
The first mock-up intended for ground tests was created in 2014.[5] Prototype of the drone was first revealed in July 2017, showing the drone's flying wing configuration.[6]
In November 2018, the drone performed first series of taxiing, speeding and stopping tests in fully autonomous mode at a runway of the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association plant. During the runs, it has reached a maximum speed of 200 km/h.[7][8]
On 18 January 2019, the third flyable Su-57 prototype (bort no. 053) was spotted wearing a new digital camouflage paint scheme, with digital silhouette of the Okhotnik on its top and underside. On 24 January 2019, first flyable prototype of the drone was seen towed at the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association plant.[9] According to Russian officials, the Su-57 is being used as a flying laboratory for the testing of the Okhotnik's onboard radio-electronic systems, namely avionics.[4]
At the end of May 2019, Okhotnik performed a series of flight tests during which the drone flew several meters above a runway of the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association plant.[10]
Design
The Okhotnik's design is based on the flying-wing scheme and incorporates use of composite materials and stealth coatings, making the drone low-observable in flight.[11] It has mass about 20 tons and wingspan around 65 feet (20 m). The drone is powered either by a single AL-31F turbofan, as used on the Sukhoi Su-27 fighter aircraft, or by the improved AL-41F derivative installed on Su-35S fighters and Su-57 prototypes.[12] The maximum speed of the drone is reportedly 1,000 km/h while carrying its payload internally.[5] It is likely the Okhotnik was designed to act as a 'loyal wingman' controlled by a parent aircraft, namely the Su-57.[12]
Specifications (Sukhoi S-70 "Okhotnik")
Data from Sputnik[6], TASS[5], Ainonline[12]
General characteristics
- Crew: 0
- Wingspan: 20 m (65 ft)
- Empty weight: 20,000 kg (44,092 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Saturn AL-31F or AL-41F, 123–147 kN (28,000–33,000 lbf) with afterburner
Performance
- Maximum speed: 1,000 km/h (620 mph, 540 kn)
- Range: 6,000 km (3,700 mi, 3,200 nmi)
Armament
- 2 internal weapons bays for up to 2,000 kg of guided and unguided ammunition
See also
Related development
- Mikoyan Skat
- Sukhoi Su-57
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- AVIC 601-S
- Boeing X-45
- Northrop Grumman X-47B
- Boeing Phantom Ray
- Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel
- Northrop Grumman RQ-180
- Dassault nEUROn
- BAE Systems Taranis
- Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie
References
- ↑ "Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B". https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/su-70.htm. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Новые детали НИР "Охотник-Б" и проекта беспилотного летательного аппарата С-70". 30 July 2017. https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2758207.html. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "RSK MiG will work together with Sukhoi on a future unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV), using experience gained on its Skat programme.". 11 August 2011. https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mig-and-sukhoi-to-join-forces-on-russian-ucav-360562/. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Источник: системы БПЛА "Охотник" испытывают на Су-57". 29 January 2019. https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/6054472. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "Russia’s attack drone prototype to start test flights this year". 8 July 2018. http://tass.com/defense/1012351. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Under PAK FA's Auspices: Russia Develops 'Flying-Wing' Strike Drone". 30 July 2017. https://sputniknews.com/military/201707301056014567-russia-strike-drone-pak-fa-development/. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
- ↑ "Источник: тяжёлый беспилотник "Охотник" на испытаниях разогнался на полосе до 200 км/ч". 23 November 2018. https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/5824644. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
- ↑ "Russian Okhotnik combat drone develops speed of up to 200 km at trials". 26 November 2018. https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/russian_okhotnik_combat_drone_develops_speed_of_up_to_200_km_at_trials.html. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
- ↑ "Фотография первого прототипа беспилотного летательного аппарата по теме "Охотник"". 24 January 2019. https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3504800.html. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
- ↑ "Российский стелс-беспилотник «Охотник» впервые поднялся в воздух". 25 May 2019. https://iz.ru/881846/2019-05-25/rossiiskii-stels-bespilotnik-okhotnik-vpervye-podnialsia-v-vozdukh. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ↑ "First photos published of Russia’s secret Okhotnik strike drone". 8 February 2019. https://www.rbth.com/science-and-tech/329956-first-photos-published-of-russias. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 "Russia Prepares To Flight-test the Sukhoi S-70 UCAV". 25 January 2019. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-01-25/russia-prepares-flight-test-sukhoi-s-70-ucav. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
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