The first flight of the newest unmanned aerial vehicle "Hunter"
Tests of the newest combat complex are carried out at one of the airfields of the Russian Defense Ministry. Russia has unveiled a huge and powerful "20-tonne" drone dubbed the 'hunter' in a display of the country's military capabilities. Incredible footage released by Russia's defence ministry showed the massive unmanned aerial vehicle making its maiden flight on Wednesday.
The Okhotnik (Hunter) was seen taking off, performing manoeuvres and landing after the 20 minute flight.
The wedge-shaped heavy drone developed by the Sukhoi company is a major leap compared to other unmanned aerial vehicles previously developed in Russia.
Russian media reports claimed the new drone weighs 20 tons loaded and has a range of up to 5,000 kilometres (3,100 miles).
The single-engine Okhotnik bears a visual resemblance to Lockheed Martin U.S. RQ-170 Sentinel drone.
Courtesy: Sean Morrison - Evening Standard Thursday 8 August 2019 03:24
