An image of what is purported to be a prototype of Russia’s Okhotnik (Hunter) ‘heavy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)’ began to circulate in Russian social media on 23 January, followed by three more images the next day.
The photos were likely taken by a ‘plane spotter’ or spotters from close to the runway of Novosibirsk Aviation Plant (NAZ) named after V P Chkalov (part of the Sukhoi Company), also known as Yeltsovka airport.
Image of what is supposedly a prototype of the heavy Russian UAV known as Okhotnik (Hunter). (Name withheld)
The UAV appearing in those images looks like a stealthy flying-wing aircraft, although the nozzle of its conventional-looking turbofan (likely of the AL-31/41 series) was unshrouded, which might eventually change as its development progresses. The UAV featured a single dorsally-mounted air-intake.
The size of the Kirovets K-700 heavy-tractor that was observed towing the UAV in a set of pictures from 24 January indicates a wingspan of 19 m. Three landing gear units, two single-wheel side, and one two-wheel frontally mounted observed on the heavy UAV appear to closely match those fitted to Russia’s Su-57 next-generation multirole aircraft.
Given the UAV’s size, its internal bay or bays should be able to carry most, if not all, of the latest generation missiles and munitions being developed for the Su-57 aircraft, likely including the recently announced hypersonic missile that is in development, the characteristics of which are reported to be similar to the Kinzhal’s.
The Okhotnik’s conventional looking turbofan, likely of the AL-31/41 series, might eventually change as the heavy UAV’s development progresses. (Name withheld)
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