UAV S-70 "Okhotnik" before new tests
Roll-out of a new experimental UAV S-70. Novosibirsk, December 14
Russian aviation the industry continues to work on the promising reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial vehicle S-70 "Okhotnik". The first prototype has already passed tests, and in the near future a second prototype will rise into the air, followed by two others. The newly built vehicle has a number of important differences and is probably close to the future serial appearance of the UAV.
Two prototypes
The first experienced Hunter was completed and shown openly in June 2018. In the fall of the same year, ground tests with jogging along the runway began, and in August 2019, the first full-fledged flight took place. Subsequently, this prototype underwent full-scale tests, during which it showed flight technical and operational characteristics. In particular, its ability to work in a group with a manned Su-57 fighter was tested.
As the media reported later, at the end of 2019, the Sukhoi company received an order from the Ministry of Defense for the development of a new version of the Hunter project and the subsequent construction of the next three prototypes. We also ordered the production of several ground control posts of a new type. According to government contracts, all required products must be manufactured and submitted for testing by the end of 2022.
The construction of the experimental S-70, both the first and the subsequent ones, is carried out by the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant named after V.I. Chkalov (NAZ). In August of this year, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense visited the plant and got acquainted with the progress of the construction of new equipment. Then it was reported that the work was going on as planned, and the official report mentioned the presence of several prototypes.
On December 14, the ceremony of rolling out the first experimental UAV of a new series took place at NAZ. The participants of the event emphasized the differences between this machine and the previous experimental S-70. In addition, they again talked about new solutions and opportunities that will be obtained with their help. At the same time, the leadership of the aviation industry assured that every effort is being made to complete the tests as soon as possible and move to the series.
Noticeable differences
Two experienced "Hunter", built according to different versions of the project, are generally similar to each other. Both are made according to the "flying wing" scheme with a swept leading edge, have a characteristic air intake in the upper part of the rudimentary fuselage and one nozzle in the tail. At the same time, there are external differences indicating the improvement of the project and the improvement of some of the possibilities. It is also possible to assume the modernization of the internal units - but information on this score, for obvious reasons, is not available.
Externally, the new UAV is slightly different from the previous one. It will not be possible to assess the similarity of the outer contours, but it is clear that the location of the upper air intakes has changed on it, numerous antennas have disappeared from the bottom, the shape of the landing gear doors has changed, etc.
The new prototype has a mixed design. All or nearly all of the airframe's external elements are made of composite materials. In this case, it is likely that different composites were used, as a result of which an unpainted UAV has a two-color color. So, the pointed nose cone and the extended leading edge of the wing are gray, and the rest of the skin is yellowish.
In October this year, the Zvezda TV channel showed two new issues of the Military Acceptance program, dedicated to the Hunter project. Among other things, they demonstrated the manufacturing process of a large-sized composite part for a UAV. At the same time, the production equipment at work and the used equipment got into the frame.
Special attention, incl. on the part of officials, attracted the new design of the nozzle of the turbojet engine. The first S-70 used a turbojet engine with a controlled nozzle of a traditional circular cross-section, and now a new flat trapezoidal design has been introduced. This allows you to obtain the required technical characteristics, but to optimize the airframe design, reducing radar and infrared signature.
What is hidden behind the new nozzle is unknown. The type of engine or engines used on the two experimental "Hunters" is still unknown. However, it is clear that the turbojet engines used have the required thrust and provide the required performance characteristics.
The first experienced "Hunter", 2019
The issues of radio-electronic equipment, both before and now, are generally not disclosed. The presence of developed means of lighting the situation and weapons control was mentioned. In addition, there is a modern autopilot with a high degree of autonomy, capable of operating independently and / or executing the commands of the leading manned aircraft. It is not known how the Okhotnik avionics changed within the framework of the new version of the project.
Control point
Depending on the tasks assigned, the unmanned S-70 will be able to work independently, on commands from an aircraft or under the control of a ground control point. The latter is called NPU-70 and is being developed as part of a government contract dated December 2019. The Kronstadt group, which has extensive experience in the field of unmanned aircraft, is responsible for this project.
This year, the NPU-70 product was first shown openly. The control center is made in a standard container suitable for placement on a vehicle or in a stationary position. Inside the container, there are several automated workstations for operators and the necessary electronics. It was reported that the "Okhotnik" complex uses a unified communication line - the same as other modern UAVs.
With the help of standard tools, a full exchange of data with drone. The control center receives telemetry, a signal from optical means and all the necessary data. Commands of direct control or "orders" are sent back for independent execution by the "Hunter".
Experienced S-70 of the first version and Su-57 fighter
What means were used by the operators of the first experienced S-70, and how the new NPU-70 differs from them is unknown. However, it is clear that the NPU-70 is a standard component of an unmanned complex and has all the necessary functions and capabilities, due to which it is able to fully control the "Hunters" and be present in the control loops of the Air Force. The positive consequences of the emergence of such a pattern are obvious.
New challenges
The first prototype of the new S-70 series was built and removed from the assembly shop. The first control center NPU-70 was also manufactured. This makes it possible to start full-fledged ground and then flight tests. During such events, all the capabilities of the unmanned complex in its updated version will be shown. In the absence of serious comments, the current version of the "Hunter" will receive a recommendation for adoption.
However, testing and fine-tuning a drone in an updated look will require a lot of time and effort. Earlier, the media reported that at the beginning of 2023, all experimental equipment will be submitted for state joint tests, which are planned to be completed by the end of October 2025. Only after that, the complex will be able to go into series for subsequent deliveries of the Air Force.
Thus, everything says that OKR "Okhotnik" is gradually approaching its completion, probably successful. Taking into account the experience gained, a new version of the project was developed, according to which the real equipment is now being built. And now we are talking about a new important event in stories project - the first of three new prototypes has already been assembled and is now preparing for future tests.
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