The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B, also known as the Hunter-B, is a Russian stealth heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) being developed as a sixth-generation aircraft project by Sukhoi and Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG. The drone is based on MiG’s earlier Mikoyan Skat and incorporates some technologies from the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet. It is planned to operate in the future under the command of Su-57 pilots, similar to the USAF Skyborg program.
Trials of the Okhotnik Drone
According to numerous reports, including one from 2018 in Russia Beyond quoting Russian experts discussing the Okhotnik, the Okhotnik is not only stealthy but also an armed strike drone.v”The Okhotnik’s arsenal includes air-to-surface missiles and a variety of bombs (glide and operator-controlled) that will not be suspended from the wings, but will be hidden inside the body to reduce visibility on enemy radar,” Russian Academy of Military Sciences Professor Vadim Kozyulin told Russia Beyond.
There could also be some small “hard points” on the drone to allow for a beast-mode-style heavier attack. Because there are no protruding structures, shapes, or sharp angles from beneath weapons, the ground-based air-defense radar will have much less to “bounce” or “ping” its signal off of in order to generate a rendering to ground sensors.
Russia upgrading its Weapons’ Arsenal
Real questions about the drone may also concern its level of technological sophistication in terms of its additional stealth characteristics, such as thermal management or heat-reduction capabilities. What is the effectiveness of stealth coatings? Perhaps most importantly, is there an internally buried engine that may ensure the temperature of the air surrounding the drone is roughly equivalent to the temperature of the drone itself, essentially “blinding” thermal sensors? How is exhaust handled?
Another pressing issue raised by the Russia Beyond essay is the development of AI capabilities for drones, which would, of course, exponentially increase their ability to process sensor data, target information, and network with both unmanned and manned systems.
The Russian news agency TASS has already published several stories about how Russia’s military is essentially “copying” the successful US Air Force networking of the F-35, F-22, and Valkyrie drone with manned-unmanned teaming between the Okhotnik and Russia’s 5th-generation Su-57. This raises important questions about Russia’s ability to successfully replicate the US Air Force’s “loyal wingman” concept and operate a manned fighter jet in close coordination with an unmanned, stealthy drone.
This reduces latency, simplifies attack options, and potentially networks attack detail across much larger and more dangerous formations. When it comes to the extent of the threat posed by the Russian drone, the operational functionality of the integrated AI-data analysis and the extent to which manned-unmanned teaming networks are “hardened” are also pressing questions.
However, Russia has not yet produced many Su-57s, and it is unclear whether it has the industrial capacity to produce a significant number of new drones. While even a small number would likely pose a credible threat, Russia may not be able to “scale” the existence of this drone in a timely manner. Finally, while the US military is known to use stealthy drones such as the Sentinel, there is no indication that the US uses an “armed” stealthy drone, which could put the US at a disadvantage.
To crack the SSB Interview and join the Indian Army as an Officer, You can join our SSB interview live classes batch and we recommend you to Enroll SSB INTERVIEW ONLINE COURSE. Trusted by thousands of defence aspirants.
Also read:
- What Is DRDO Ghatak (Swift) Drone?
- Complete List Of Drones Used By Indian Armed Forces
- Importance Of Drones In The Indian Subcontinent
- Detailed Analysis: Why Is India Interested In US Predator Armed Drones?
- Why MQ9 Reaper Is Considered As The Most Lethal Drone On Earth?
- Loitering Munitions – Kamikaze Drones For The Indian Armed Forces
