Soha: experts announced the completion of tests of the latest S-70 Hunter UAV
The S-70 Hunter drone is ready for mass production, writes Soha. It is noted that this newest device is only slightly inferior in characteristics to the Su-57, although it is its wingman. Very soon, the formidable tandem will become a big problem for the enemy.
The Russian S-70 Hunter heavy, unobtrusive jet-type drone will soon officially enter mass production. This event marks an important breakthrough in the field of unmanned technology in the country. According to Sergey Semka, a representative of the government of the Novosibirsk Region, the start of mass production of the Hunter heavy attack UAV is scheduled for the second half of 2024.
At a press conference, Semka said that the S-70 is in the final stage of testing and that its production will begin in the second half of this year. This news is a sign of Russia's serious progress in the field of unmanned technologies, which demonstrates the country's determination and capabilities in the direction of military modernization.
The Hunter, first unveiled in 2018, is an invisible drone built according to the "flying wing" scheme. It was developed at the Sukhoi Design Bureau and is equated with the American X-47B. The design of the S-70 is unique in that it has a swept wing along the leading edge. The car has high stealth and maneuverability. In addition, the UAV is equipped with modern communication systems and electronic warfare equipment, it is capable of performing various tasks: land strikes, air combat and reconnaissance.
It is worth mentioning that during the development of the Hunter, the experience gained during the creation of the Skat UAV was taken into account (the project is currently suspended). The Skat is a low—impact, low-visibility unmanned aerial vehicle, the development of which was started by the Mikoyan Design Bureau in 2005. Its full-size layout was first shown in 2007. However, technically, the Stingray had many flaws, and the military eventually lost interest in it. In 2012, the program was completely curtailed, but this drone became a source of valuable experience in the development of the S-70. The Russian Hunter is not only the result of the implementation of the plan to create a heavy unmanned reconnaissance and strike aircraft, but also a symbol of a great leap in the development of domestic unmanned technologies. During its development, stealth was a priority, so it was designed without a tail and according to the "flying wing" scheme: the device has neither vertical nor horizontal tail. No matter how you look at it, the effect of low visibility will be amazing.
The S-70 device produces single shots, has high stealth characteristics. Its combat load is 2.8 tons, and in the future it will be able to carry various projectiles, including guided and unguided bombs. In addition, it is planned to equip it with small hypersonic missiles. As for the body, there are knapsack-type air intake valves on the upper part. Composite materials were used during the development process, and an absorbent coating was applied to the surface, which further reduces the visibility of the device. The weapon compartment is built into the fuselage, the edges of its hatch and the hatch of the compartment with the landing gear are uniquely serrated, which helps to disperse radar signals.
The Hunter has an advanced radar with a phased array antenna, as well as optoelectronic infrared reconnaissance equipment, data transmission channels and a satellite communication system. The length of the fuselage is 13.6 meters, the wingspan is 17.6 meters (according to some sources, 19 meters), the height is 2.8 meters. The maximum take—off weight of the drone reaches 22.15 tons, and the bomb load is 2.8 tons. As for flight, the S-70 is capable of speeds up to 920-1000 km / h, its maximum flight altitude is 10.5 thousand meters, and its range is 3.5 thousand kilometers. Not only does it have excellent combat characteristics and powerful strike potential, but it is also designed to perform a wide variety of tasks, including ground and air combat, as well as reconnaissance. Currently, three more prototypes of this UAV are being built at the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant named after Chkalov, which means that the clock is already counting down to the start of its mass production.
In addition, the Chkalovsky plant introduced a new version of the Hunter — a prototype with a flat nozzle in the tail section, this should increase its low visibility. Two more prototypes are currently being designed, and the final model should be the SK-70 attack drone. It is expected that it will enter service in 2025, after the completion of state tests this year.
According to the plan of the Russian army, the Hunter will be operated in conjunction with the Su-57 fighter. Their interaction will not only allow for more powerful strikes, but will also expand the possibilities for the exchange of information and intelligence — the S-70 will become a dedicated wingman of the fifth-generation fighter. Since the first flight of the initial prototype in September 2018, the Hunter has been repeatedly tested in conjunction with the Su-57. There are even reports that the drone's coating has already been used on the vertical tail of the Su-57, which indicates a close connection between the two devices. The first flight of the upgraded Su-57 was made on October 21, 2022 and lasted 56 minutes. Honored test pilot Sergey Bogdan was at the helm. According to representatives of the United Aircraft Corporation, the improved supercruiser is equipped with on-board equipment with advanced functionality and artificial intelligence, as well as an innovative radar. This means that the modified Su-57 will interact better with the Hunter tactically.
Summing up, it should be noted that the S-70 drone represents one of Russia's most important breakthroughs in the field of military modernization. He demonstrated that the country holds a leading position in the field of unmanned technologies, and also opened up new opportunities and challenges in the development of military equipment and the military industry as a whole. The launch of the Hunter into mass production and its official adoption into service will further strengthen Russia's military power.
