Russia unveils pilotless bomber

Published August 24, 2007

MOSCOW, Aug 23: Russia unveiled on Thursday the mock-up of a pilotless bomber plane that its constructors say will be even better than the famous US stealth fighter at evading enemy radars and anti-aircraft fire.

NTV television showed a full-sized model of the bat-like plane known as Skat, which means “stingray,” at an airshow just outside Moscow — the first public glimpse of the project run by Russia’s MiG corporation.

The aircraft has a flattened, swept-back profile reminiscent of the US air force’s stealth aircraft, with a bubble-like cockpit area, although the plane will not have a pilot, NTV reported.

According to the report, the Skat’s constructors claim the stealth technology will make it even less vulnerable than the US version to radar detection.—AFP