Unconfirmed information and real potential: news about the combat use of the S-70 Okhotnik UAV
The other day, various sources reported on the first episode of the combat use of the promising heavy unmanned aerial system S-70 Okhotnik. It was alleged that the device was involved in the Special Operation in Ukraine and used to strike at enemy targets. Unfortunately, the main details of this episode remain unknown, which may even lead to suspicion.
According to unofficial data
Information about the combat use of the "Hunter" appeared on the evening of June 27. It was published by the telegram channel Mash with reference to unnamed Turkish media. Soon this news distributed to other publications, domestic and foreign.
It is alleged that the "Hunter" was used to destroy Ukrainian military facilities in the Sumy region. No details of this strike have been released. So, it is not known exactly how the sortie was carried out, what means of destruction were used and what was the result.
To the news "Mash" attached a photo of poor quality, which may be evidence of the first sortie of the S-70. It depicts a flying wing drone with characteristic outlines against the sky. In addition, in the corner of the frame there is a logo of a foreign news agency. Mash suggests that this may be the first image of the "Hunter" in the zone of the Special Operation.
The first experimental S-70 on trials. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The news about the start of the combat operation of the S-70 Okhotnik UAV has not yet received any official comments. The Department of Defense and development organizations remain silent. Application Information drone neither confirmed nor denied. Perhaps new information about this will appear later.
Reason for doubt
The start of the combat use of a promising UAV is certainly good news. This means that the experienced "Hunters" passed at least the main part of the tests, confirmed the calculated characteristics and showed their capabilities in the conditions of the test sites. As a result of these events, they were allowed to work as part of a real military operation.
However, it is too early to rejoice at the news. The latest reports about the S-70 complex have some specific features that may be a reason to doubt their veracity. As a result, we may not be talking about military tests of the latest UAV, but about rumors or deliberate hoaxes.
First of all, the lack of official information leads to suspicion. Several days have passed since the alleged combat use of Okhotnik, and the Ministry of Defense or the military-industrial complex has not yet commented on this news. At the same time, it is well known that the military and industry regularly talk about testing or introducing new designs.
"Hunter" in flight. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Some publications from Turkey were named as the primary source of information about the use of the S-70, which is also a reason for suspicion. It is unlikely that the Turkish press has the opportunity to follow the latest Russian weapons and equipment in the zone of the Special Operation, as well as the first to receive the most interesting information. It cannot be ruled out that we are talking about the publication of false or unconfirmed information in order to attract readers.
The publication about the "Hunter" is accompanied by a photograph allegedly taken during its flight over Ukraine. However, it has the logo of the Iranian Press TV channel, which is at least strange. A well-known expert on the Iranian armed forces, Yuri Lyamin, in his blog Imp-Navigator notes that this image from a flying wing UAV is taken from a Press TV report released back in November 2014.
Then Iranian television talked about Iranian developments in the field of unmanned aviationmade as a result of studying the captured American apparatus. It is obvious that this story has nothing to do with the latest reports on the combat work of the Russian "Hunter". However, one cannot exclude the error of foreign or domestic publications that issued a suitable image without proper verification.
Potential benefits
Thus, there is no reliable information about the use of the S-70 Okhotnik UAV during the Special Operation. It is possible that such an apparatus did indeed attack the enemy, but only a few pieces of information about this, without details, leaked out of the army structures. In addition, we can talk about the artificial creation of a "sensation" to attract attention.
Rolling out the prototype in an updated configuration, 2021. Photo by UAC
Regardless of the latest news and the degree of their plausibility, the beginning of the combat use of the "Hunter" was or will be a major event. It will show that the promising UAV has coped with the previous stages of testing and is approaching adoption. In addition, in this case, he will give our armed forces new opportunities and will be able to contribute to the achievement of the overall goals of the Special Operation.
To date, Sukhoi and its subcontractors have built several flight prototypes of the new S-70 UAV. They have already been shown openly; also announced some of the capabilities and features of the complex. At the same time, the main data, incl. some of the performance characteristics have not yet been published. However, even the available information allows us to imagine how the "Hunter" will be useful to the Aerospace Forces and the armed forces as a whole.
The S-70 product is a heavy reconnaissance and strike UAV of the “flying wing” scheme. The glider is built using stealth technology. Its contours provide dispersion of probing signals; possibly absorbent materials are used. The layout of the power plant provides a reduction in the infrared signature.
"Hunter" is one of the largest modern domestic UAVs. Its wingspan reaches 20 m, the maximum take-off weight, according to various sources, is about 20-25 tons. One turbojet engine is used, with the help of which a high subsonic speed develops. The flight range, according to various estimates, can reach 4-6 thousand km.
Now several UAVs are involved in the tests. Photo UAC
The composition, functions and capabilities of on-board radio-electronic equipment are unknown. "Hunter" needs a developed autopilot capable of performing various tasks. Optoelectronic or radar means of observation and reconnaissance must be present on board. Functions are provided for joint work with manned fighters as a slave and / or for solving special tasks associated with increased risk.
Inside the "flying wing" volumes are provided for carrying a combat load. S-70 can take on board at least 2 tons of various weapons. It is assumed that the main part of the ammunition load will be air-to-surface weapons. To attack ground targets, the UAV will use guided bombs and various types of missiles.
According to statements and forecasts of the recent past, the S-70 Okhotnik reconnaissance and strike UAV is capable of operating independently and in a group with aircraft or other drones. At the same time, he can conduct reconnaissance at a distance from the leader, find and hit various targets. Due to reduced visibility, it is able to enter the areas of responsibility of the enemy's air defense and work in them, incl. to suppress the defense before the arrival of manned aircraft. Perhaps, over time, the "Hunter" will receive new functions and tasks.
Unmanned progress
The Russian aviation industry is actively developing UAVs of various classes. In particular, several heavy reconnaissance and strike vehicles have already been created, and the first complex of this kind has already been put into service. Other products, incl. S-70 "Hunter" is still being tested, and the moment of their entry into service and operation is approaching.
The other day it was reported that an experienced "Hunter" was involved in the Special Operation and struck at Ukrainian targets. Whether this information corresponds to reality is not yet clear. However, such a test by practice at a certain stage will be a logical and correct step. When it is done, time will tell.
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