Russia Develops First Jet-Sized UAV

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Russia has been developing its first large combat drone. First being seen earlier this year, UAV experts believe the drone will play a role as an unmanned bomber aircraft, likely having precision guided long range bombing capabilities.

Okhotnik, or Hunter if you’d prefer the drone’s western name, is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Russian aircraft firm Sukhoi. The Hunter’s design greatly resembles that of the American B-2 stealth bomber, which will most likely allow the drone to stealthily penetrate aerial defense systems.

The UAV was first spotted in January this year running ground tests near the city of Novosibirsk. The drone is yet to complete its first flight, however popularmechanics.com mentions that the drone’s first flight is soon to come, possibly happening this July or August.

The Hunters weighs an estimated 20 tons. Such a heavy aircraft that doesn’t need a cockpit or life support functions likely supports large fuel tanks and weapon bays. This would give the unmanned jet enough range to strike targets far across enemy lines.

The drone will most likely be utilized for clearing the airspace of enemy defences so that friendly and manned fighter jets could proceed on with their mission.

When it comes to large UAVs, Russia falls behind the United States and other western countries. The Hunter will be Russia’s first large drone, compared to the several fighter-jet-sized drones the United States operates.