Russia reportedly loses cutting-edge S‑70 Okhotnik drone
The Russian army has apparently lost one of its unique machines, the new-generation S-70 Okhotnik drone, which is likely regularly tested in combat conditions on Ukrainian territory.
According to the Defence-Ua portal, the Russian army has most likely lost one of the few produced units of the S-70 Okhotnik. This new-generation unmanned aerial vehicle is designed with a flying wing configuration. It is an impressively sized machine that uses stealth technology and has probably been tested several times in Ukrainian regions.
One less S-70?
Materials have started appearing online, initially believed to show the downing of a Russian Su-25. After reviewing additional details, a more credible version seems to involve the Su-34/35, but Defence-Ua says it is quite possible that the recordings actually show the S-70 Okhotnik.
If it is indeed the S-70 Okhotnik, the question arises under what circumstances it was shot down. It appears that the most likely scenario is where Russian forces destroy their own equipment. Such a drastic action might have been prompted by a drone malfunction. Losing control over the S-70 Okhotnik could mean the machine would fall into unauthorized hands, giving the opponent access to the tested technology.
S-70 Okhotnik in detail
The S-70 Okhotnik is a massive machine. It is a flying wing-type drone of considerable size, and hence it is referred to as an unmanned aircraft. It has a wingspan of approximately 19 metres and a length of about 14 metres. In its initial configuration, it weighs around 25,000 kilograms, with nearly 3,200 kilograms possibly allocated to weaponry.
The design of the S-70 Okhotnik incorporates technologies from the Su-57 aircraft, including the AL-41F1 engine. It reaches a maximum speed of 1,400 km/h and a cruising speed of about 900 km/h. It can operate at a maximum altitude of 10,300 metres and has a range of up to 6,000 kilometres. Officially, Russia possesses only three units of this machine.
