Russian Heavy Strike UAV Okhotnik (Hunter) Made First Flight

Russia’s Okhotnik (Hunter) heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has made the first flight, the Russian Defense Ministry revealed on August 3.

“Under the test program, a long-duration flight time UCAV Okhotnik has performed its first flight,” the defense ministry said in a press release. “The first flight took place at 12.20 Moscow time and lasted for over 20 minutes. The aerial vehicle flown by the operator made several circles around the airfield at an altitude of 600 meters and then successfully landed.”

Okhotnik is developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. The UCAV does have a low signature, a flying wing aerodynamic scheme, and a takeoff weight of 20 tons. It is made of composite materials and a radar-absorbing coat.

According to Russian sources, the UCAV also employs the most advanced reconnaissance equipment.