The S-70 stealth drone that Russia is developing is a “powerful arm” that operates alongside the S-57 fighter, but the S-70 still has to overcome many more obstacles before being fully deployed. enough.
The S-70 is Russia’s attempt to create a stealthy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). While this seems like a smart idea, it will take years of testing and require a steady stream of funding to make this effort a reality.
After talking with a Russian military expert, Mr. Wesley Culp – an expert at the Center for the Study of the US President and Congress – wrote an article in 19fortyfive about the vehicle called “super stealth hunter”. This image of Moscow.
The S-70 UAV, also known as Okhotnik-B, is currently being developed to complement Russia’s fifth generation Su-57 stealth fighter. The Russian side announced that the S-70 successfully completed the first precision attack tests. However, according to Mr. Culp, most of what is known about this UAV was provided by the Russian side, and it is likely that they have been “seasoned” a bit.
Latest tests of the S-70
On May 28, Russian state media reported that the S-70 successfully carried out a series of precision attack tests against ground targets.
In keeping with the development of the Su-57 multirole fighter, the S-70 used missiles that the Su-57 used in recent test attacks.
A source in the Russian defense industry added to this country’s media that the S-70 also demonstrated the ability to drop “dumb” bombs (free-falling bombs, without a guidance system), the Russian Ministry of Defense later said. information has been confirmed. According to Russian media, the S-70 successfully attacked many targets in different weather conditions, including “small and camouflaged” targets.
The powerful arm of the Su-57
The S-70 is currently the most advanced UAV being developed by the Russian defense industry. There is very little detailed information about the exact operating capabilities of this UAV model.
Powered by a Saturn Al-41F1 engine, the S-70 can reach a maximum speed of up to 1,000 km/h. The S-70 is also equipped with an internal weapons compartment, helping to increase the aircraft’s stealth capabilities.
The S-70 uses the same engine as the Su-57, both products of Sukhoi – a Russian defense company. According to Mr. Culp, the S-70 development program is closely linked to the S-57. This UAV model is designed to act as a “powerful arm” of the Su-57. Accordingly, the computer on the Su-57 can coordinate the activities of the S-70 during combat.
What’s in the new version?
One of the biggest technical challenges in developing the S-70 was making the UAV model completely invisible. The aircraft’s original engine configuration hindered its stealth capabilities.
However, the latest version of the S-70, launched at the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association in December 2021, showed many changes on the aircraft, helping to enhance its covert operations capabilities. .
In the new version, some parts, such as the rear chimney, air intake, air vents and antenna, are either removed, or changed in a way that increases the S’s stealth capabilities. -70.
Obstacles in the process of developing the S-70
The contract to develop and manufacture heavy UAVs for the Russian armed forces was first signed by Sukhoi and the Russian government in 2011. However, it was not until 2019 that this UAV had its first flight.
In a report to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yuri Slyusar – head of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) (which owns Sukhoi) – stated that the S-70 will be transferred to the armed forces. Russian site in the first half of 2024. However, there is no evidence to prove that the S-70 development process will take place faster in the future than in the initial development phase.
Another obstacle for the S-70, as with any other advanced Russian project, is the possibility that the UAV development program will fall into Russia’s already difficult research and procurement cycle. . This problem will be made worse by Western sanctions against Russia, which prohibit Moscow from importing certain military and dual-use technologies.
According to Mr. Culp, the S-70 is certainly one of Russia’s most advanced piloted UAVs, but it still has to overcome many more obstacles before it can be fully put into use.