In the course of a special military operation in Ukraine, Russia is increasingly using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In 2023, the Russian military may use heavy attack drones S-70 "Hunter", writes Peter Suchiu, a columnist for the American publication 19FortyFive.
It is noted that the Russian drone belongs to the same class of devices as the Dassault nEUROn and Boeing Loyal Wingman. The drone will be able to expand the capabilities of manned fighters.
The C-70 was executed according to the "flying wing" scheme. The drone can receive an AL-41F1 engine and two compartments for guided and unguided ammunition. The take-off weight of the drone can be 20 tons. In 2019, the Hunter made its first flight.
"Work on the drone was planned to be completed by this month, with the aim of starting mass production in 2023. It was reported that serial deliveries to the troops should begin in 2024, but it could fly over Ukraine – if the special operation continues – at the beginning of next year," Suchiu writes.
In May, Sergey Chemezov, General Director of Rostec State Corporation, announced that the serial production of Hunters for the Russian Ministry of Defense will begin in 2023. The drone received a flat nozzle, which reduces its visibility.
In January, a source told RIA Novosti that flight tests of the second sample of the S-70 Hunter drone are planned to begin in July.
