Kremlin defence officials vowed to have the Okhotnik-B stealth bomber airborne by the Spring and chilling images from a snowy runway in Russia’s far east appear to suggest their launch programme is on schedule. The top-secret Okhotnik-B features stealth technology, a tail-less “flying wing” design and a take-off weight of 20 tonnes meaning it can carry two tonnes of bombs. The heavy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has a jet engine and is capable of developing speeds of more 500mph at an altitude of nearly 40,000ft
The sixth-generation battle drone underwent tests last summer and is expected to fly for the first time within the next few weeks.
Moscow’s military chiefs hope to use the bomber to batter anti-aircraft defences from above.
It can also launch a battery of missiles from its vast internal weapons bay.
Speaking last year, Kremlin defence chief Alexei Krivoruchko said: “Next year, the Okhotnik will enter trials.
“The work on this project is a priority and it is proceeding at a good level.
“In the spring, we are expecting the first flight of this drone. This is a serious task for us
“The work on the heavy long-range unmanned aerial vehicle is at the concluding stage.
“In particular, work has been completed to create a prototype that will begin test flights this year.
“The work is being carried out at the Novosibirsk-based Chkalov Aviation Plant.”
The UAV performed its first ground run on the Novosibirsk runway last November.
An aviation industry source said: “The trial model of the Okhotnik UAV made its first run on the runway of the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Plant, gathering the speed of 125mph in line with the program of trials. The takeoff was not performed.
“Okhotnik performed taxi, ground run, acceleration and stoppage at the end of the runway in fully automated mode.”
Russia has a number of drones in operation but had shied away from combat drones in the past as it still uses an affordable fleet of older Sukhoi fighter bombers for airstrikes in Syria.