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Tupolev Tu-22M

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For the earlier, non-variable-sweep wing bomber, seeTupolev Tu-22.
Tu-22M
ARussian Aerospace ForcesTu-22M3
General information
TypeStrategic bomber/Maritime strike
National originSoviet Union
ManufacturerTupolev
StatusIn service
Primary usersRussian Aerospace Forces
Number built497
History
Manufactured1967–1993
Introduction date1972
First flight30 August 1969;55 years ago(1969-08-30)
Developed fromTupolev Tu-22

TheTupolev Tu-22M(Russian:Туполев Ту-22М;NATO reporting name:Backfire) is asupersonic,variable-sweep wing,long-range strategic and maritime strikebomberdeveloped by theTupolev Design Bureauin the 1960s. The bomber was reported as being designatedTu-26by Western intelligence at one time.[1]During theCold War,the Tu-22M was operated by theSoviet Air Forces(VVS) in a missile carrierstrategic bombingrole, and by theSoviet Naval Aviation(Aviatsiya Voyenno-Morskogo Flota,AVMF) in a long-range maritime anti-shipping role.[2]

In 2024, theRussian Air Forcehad 57 aircraft in service, according to the 2024 Military Balance report by International Institute for Strategic Studios.[3]In 2023, Ukraine'sMain Directorate of Intelligenceestimated that Russia had 27 aircraft in operable condition.[4]

Development

[edit]
A painting depicting the loading of RadugaKh-15missiles on a Tu-22M rotary launcher. The bomber depicted is an early Tu-22M2, with distinctive air intakes.

In 1962, after the introduction of theTupolev Tu-22,it became increasingly clear that the aircraft was inadequate in its role as a bomber. In addition to widespread unserviceability and maintenance problems, the Tu-22's handling characteristics proved to be dangerous. Its landing speed was 100 km/h (60 mph) greater than previous bombers and it had a tendency to pitch up and strike its tail upon landing. It was difficult to fly, and had poor all-round visibility.[5]In 1962, Tupolev commenced work on major update of the Tu-22. Initially, the bureau planned to add avariable-sweep wingand uprated engines into the updated design. The design was tested atTsAGI'swind tunnelsatZhukovsky.[5]

During this time Sukhoi developed theT-4,a four-engine titanium aircraft with canards. A response to theXB-70,it was to have a cruise speed of 3,200 km/h (2,000 mph), requiring a major research effort in order to develop the requisite technologies. Tupolev, whose expertise was with bombers, offered theSoviet Air Force(Voyenno-Vozdushnye Sily,VVS) a massively updated version of the Tu-22.[6]

OBP-15T Targeting bombsight on Tupolev Tu-22M(0)[7]
Older cockpit of Tupolev Tu-22M3 bomber, navigator's and weapon systems officer's panels
Tupolev Tu-22M3 taking off at Ryazan Dyagilevo

Compared to the T-4, it was an evolutionary design, and thus its appeal lay in its simplicity and low cost. The Soviet government was skeptical about the need to approve the development of a replacement aircraft so soon after the Tu-22 had entered service.[8]The Air Force and Tupolev, in order to save face regarding the Tu-22's operational deficiencies and to stave off criticisms from the ICBM lobby, agreed to pass off the design as an update of the Tu-22 in their discussions with the government. The aircraft was designated Tu-22M, given theOKBcode "Aircraft 45", and an internal designation of "AM". Their effort was successful as the government approved the design on 28 November 1967, and decreed the development of the aircraft's main weapon, theKh-22missile.[9]The T-4 itself made its first flight in 1972, but was later cancelled.[6]

US intelligence had been aware of the existence of the aircraft since 1969, and the first satellite photograph of the bomber was taken in 1970. The existence of the aircraft was a shock to US intelligence asNikita Khrushchev,who had been the Soviet premier up to 1964, was adamant that ICBMs would render the bomber obsolete.[10]

As in the case of its contemporaries, theMiG-23andSu-17projects, the advantages of variable-sweep wing (or "swing wing" ) seemed attractive, allowing a combination of short take-off performance, efficient cruising, and good high-speed, low-level flight. The result was a new swing-wing aircraft namedSamolyot 145(Aeroplane 145), derived from the Tupolev Tu-22, with some features borrowed from the abandonedTu-98project. The Tu-22M was based on the Tu-22's weapon system and used its Kh-22 missile. The Tu-22M designation was used to help get approval for the bomber within theSoviet militaryand government system.[11]

The Tu-22M designation was used by the Soviet Union during theSALT IIarms control negotiations, creating the impression that it was a modification of the Tu-22. Some suggested that the designation was deliberately deceptive, and intended to hide the Tu-22M's performance. Other sources suggest the "deception" was internal to make it easier to get budgets approved. According to some sources, the Backfire-B/C production variants were believed to be designatedTu-26by Russia, although this is disputed by many others. The US State and Defense Departments have used the Tu-22M designation for the Backfire.[12]

Production of all Tu-22M variants totalled 497, including pre-production aircraft.[2]

Modernization

[edit]

An initial attempt at modernizing the Tu-22M,Adaptation-45.03M,based on modernizing the aircraft's radar, began in 1990, but was abandoned before reaching production.[13]In 2007, work began on a new radar for the Tu-22M, the NV-45, which was first flown on a Tu-22M in 2008, with four more repaired Tu-22Ms refitted with NV-45 radars in 2014–2015.[14]

A contract for a full mid-life upgrade, the Tu-22M3M, was signed in September 2014. The aircraft was then planned to receive a further modified NV-45M radar, together with new navigation equipment and a modified flight control system. A new self-defense electronic radar suite was to be fitted, replacing the tail gun of the existing Tu-22M3. Much of the new avionics were planned to be shared with the upgradedTu-160M2.[15][16]As of 2018,armament was planned to be enhanced by adding the newKh-32missile, a heavily modified version of the current Kh-22, the subsonic Kh-SD, the hypersonic Kh-MT, or theKh-47M2 Kinzhalmissiles.[14][17]In 2018, deliveries of the Tu-22M3M were expected to begin in 2021.[13][needs update]

On 11 May 2020, it was reported byTASS,citing anonymous sources in the military-industrial complex, that a test launch of a new hypersonic missile, not belonging to the Kh-32 family, was conducted from a Tu-22M3M. Reportedly, work on the missile had been initiated several years earlier, and its tests were expected to be completed "simultaneously with the work on the upgraded Tu-22M3M bomber".[18]

A separate, simpler, upgrade program(SVP-24-22)was being carried out in 2008 by the company Gefest & T, based on avionics developed for theSukhoi Su-24attack aircraft, including a new computer, a new navigation system and digital processing for the aircraft's radar. The upgrade is claimed to greatly increase navigation accuracy and bomb delivery. A SVP-24-22-equipped Tu-22M underwent trials in 2009, and the program was moved into production, with deliveries after 2012.[14]

In September 2023, it was reported that the Tu-22M3 have been modified to carry a missile with a payload capacity of 1,700 kg (3,700 lb).[19]

Operational history

[edit]

Soviet Union

[edit]
Soviet Tu-22M1 Backfire-B bomber aircraft is escorted by anF-14ATomcat aircraft.

The two prototypes Tu-22M(0) were delivered toLong Range Aviation's 42nd Combat Training Centre atDyagilevo air base,nearRyazan,in February 1973. The aircraft began practice sorties in March. Within 20 days of the aircraft's delivery, the air and ground crew at the air base had received their type ratings; this was helped by their earlier training at Tupolev, theGromov Flight Research Instituteand the Kazan plant.[20]In June that year, the aircraft were demonstrated to Soviet government officials, destroying tanks andarmoured personnel carriers.[20]

The Tu-22M was first unveiled in 1980 during the aircraft's participation in a majorWarsaw Pactexercise. During the exercise, naval Tu-22M2s conducted anti-ship operations by mining parts of theBaltic Seato simulate anamphibious landing.The exercise was extensively covered by the press and TV media.[21][22]In June 1981, four Tu-22Ms were intercepted and photographed by Norwegian aircraft flying over theNorwegian Sea.[23]

The first simulated attack by the Tu-22M against a NATOcarrier groupoccurred between 30 September and 1 October 1982. Eight aircraft locked onto the U.S. task forces ofUSSEnterpriseandUSSMidwaywhich were operating in the North Pacific. They came within 120 mi (200 km) of the task forces. The reaction of the U.S. Navy was thought to have been restrained during this event so as to allow the observation of the Tu-22M's tactics.[24]The bomber also made attempts to test Japan's air defense boundary on several occasions.[citation needed]

ARaduga Kh-22anti-ship missile under a Tupolev Tu-22M(0)

The Tu-22M was first used in combat inAfghanistan.It was deployed December 1987 to January 1988, during which the aircraft flew strike missions in support of theSoviet Army's attempt to relieve theMujahideens'Siege of Khost.Two squadrons of aircraft from the 185th GvBAP based atPoltavawere deployed to Maryy-2 air base inTurkmenistan.Capable of dropping large tonnages of conventional ordnance, the aircraft bombed enemy forts, bases and material supplies.[25]In October 1988, the aircraft was again deployed against the Mujahideen. Sixteen Tu-22M3s were used to provide cover to Soviet forces that were pulling out of the country. The Tu-22Ms were tasked with destroying paths of access to Soviet forces, attacking enemy forces at night to prevent regrouping, and to attack incoming supplies from Iran and Pakistan. Working alongside 30 newly arrivedMiG-27s,the aircraft also flew missions aimed at relieving the besieged city ofKandahar.[26][27]The aircraft had its last Afghan operation in January 1989 at Salang pass.[28]

The Tu-22M suffered from widespread maintenance problems due to poor manufacturing quality during its service with the Soviet forces. The engines and airframes in particular had short service lives.[29]The Air Force at one point sought to prosecute Tupolev for allegedly rushing the inadequate designs of the Tu-22M and the Tu-160 into service.[30]This was compounded by the government bureaucracy, which hampered the provision of spare parts to allow the servicing of the Tu-22M. With some aircraft grounded for up to six months, the mission-capable rate of the aircraft in August 1991 was around 30–40%.[29][31]

Russia

[edit]
Tupolev Tu-22M3 at Ryazan Dyagilevo

At the time of thedissolution of the Soviet Union,370 remained inCommonwealth of Independent Statesservice. Production ended in 1993.

The Russian Federation used the Tu-22M3 in combat inChechnyaduring 1995, performing strikes nearGrozny.[2]

In August 2007, the Tu-22M and theTu-95began conducting long-range patrolling, for the first time since 1992.[32][33]

On 9 August 2008, a Russian Tu-22MR reconnaissance aircraft was shot down inSouth Ossetiaby a Georgian air defenceBuk-M1surface-to-air-missilesystem during the 5–dayRusso-Georgian War.[34][35][36]One of its crew members was captured (Major Vyacheslav Malkov), two others were killed and the crew commander, Lt. Col. Aleksandr Koventsov, wasmissing in action.[37]

On 29 March 2013, two Tu-22M3 bombers flying in international airspace made a simulated attack on Sweden. The Swedish air defense failed to respond.[38][39]Two Tu-22Ms flew supersonic overthe Baltic Seaon 24 March 2015.[40]Two Tu-22Ms approachedÖlandin international airspace on 21 May 2015. TheSwedish Air Forcesent twoSaab JAS 39 Gripenfighters to mark their presence.[41]On 4 July 2015, two Tu-22Ms approached the Swedish island ofGotlandwithout violating its airspace, followed by Swedish and other fighter aircraft.[42]

Tupolev Tu-22M3 during Center 2019 exercise.

In 2014, Russian aerospace expert Piotr Butowski estimated there were seven squadrons of Tu-22Ms in service, each with approximately 10 aircraft, stationed at three airbases; 40 atBelaya airbasein southeasternSiberia,28 atShaykovka airbasesouthwest of Moscow, and 10 at Dyagilevo airbase in Ryazan southeast of Moscow which serves as the training unit for the bomber.With the removal of the aircraft's in-flight refueling capability due to theSTART Itreaty, the Tu-22M's internal fuel capacity limits its operational range (combat radiusunrefueled: 4,000–5,000 km (DIA), 3,360–3,960 km (CIA) estimate)[43]from its home bases to only around Russia's immediate sphere of influence.[44][clarify]

Tupolev Tu-22M3 taking off with afterburner in 2021

Syrian Civil War

[edit]

Since late January 2017, six Tu-22M3s resumed airstrikes in the area of Deir ez-Zor to prevent capture of the city by jihadists and again in late 2017 to support a government offensive.[45]22–31 January 2016, Tu-22M3s reportedly conducted 42 sorties performing airstrikes in the vicinity ofDeir ez-Zor.[citation needed]On the morning of 12 July 2016, six Tu-22M3 bombers carried out a concentrated attack aroundPalmyra,Al-SukhnahandArak.[citation needed]On 14 July, six Tu-22M3 bombers operating from airfields in Russia delivered another massive strike on the newly detected IS facilities in the areas east of Palmyra, as well as in Al-Sukhnah, Arak, and the T-3 oil pumping station in the province ofHoms.[46]New raids were conducted on 21 July,[citation needed]8 August,[47]11 August,[48]and 14 August[49]2016.

On 16 August 2016, the bombers began to fly missions in Syria using Iran'sHamedan Airbase.[50]

In November 2017, six Tu-22M3s resumed airstrikes in the area of Deir ez-Zor to support a government offensive.[51]In May 2021, three Tu-22Ms were temporarily deployed to the Khmeymim airbase in Syria.[52]Tu-22Ms were again deployed in eastern Mediterranean in June of the same year for large RF Navy and Air Force drills.[53]

Invasion of Ukraine

[edit]

On 15 April 2022, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry stated Russia had used Tu-22M3 bombers for the first time since the start of itsinvasion of Ukraine,to strike targets inMariupol.[54]It had earlier been reported thatFAB-3000M-46dumb bombs had been reactivated in Russia for use with Tu-22M3 bombers to strike targets at theAzovstal iron and steel worksplant that became the last bastion for Ukrainian troops in thebesieged city of Mariupol.[55][56]

On 11 May 2022, a video emerged on social media showing a Russian Aerospace Forces Tu-22M3 bomber launching two Kh-22 missiles at targets somewhere in Ukraine.[57]

On 5 December 2022, aRussian Aerospace ForcesTu-22M3 bomber, identified asRF-34110,was shown damaged as a result of a long-range drone attack by theArmed Forces of Ukraineagainst the Dyagilevo air base. Images on social media showed at least the engine outputs and the trailing edge of the stabilizers damaged.[58][59][60]

On 20 August 2023, the Russian government confirmed a drone attack on an airbase in Novgorod andBBC Newssubsequently published verified images of a Tu-22M3 engulfed in flames atSoltsy air base,Russia, which had been attacked by drones on the day before.[61][62][63][64][65]

According to Ukraine, one Tu-22M3 was destroyed, and two were disabled, in an operation of a Ukrainian intelligence unit led byOleh Babiyin August 2023.[66]

During the29 December 2023 Russian strikes on Ukraineand other attacks, some 300Kh-22missiles have been launched at Ukraine by Russian forces, all by Tu-22M bombers. None have been shot down by Ukrainian forces, although it is suggested that Russia has been targeting areas where there are noMIM-104 PatriotorSAMP/Tmissile batteries.[67][68]

On 19 April 2024, a Russian Tu-22M3 crashed nearStavropol,over 450 km of distance from the nearest Ukrainian controlled territory as of the time of the event. Ukraine claimed to have shot down the long-range strategic bomber about 300 km from Ukraine as it was reportedly trying to return to base after a combat sortie. Russian authorities claimed the aircraft crashed inKrasnogvardeysky Districtdue to a technical malfunction, killing one crew member, with another missing. A source claimed that Ukraine'sMain Directorate of Intelligencehad planned and executed the downing with aS-200missile, the same type of missile Ukraine claimed to have shot down aBeriev A-50in February 2024. If confirmed, it would be Ukraine's first downing of a Tu-22M in the air. Ukraine "likely destroyed" one Tu-22M at an airbase inNovgorod Oblastin August 2023, using drones.[69][70][71][72]

HUR drones struck theOlenya air baseinMurmansk Oblast,some 1,800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, damaging two Tu-22M3s. A Ukrainian spokesman said, "We can confirm the damage to two Tu-22M3 aircraft. We are talking about aircraft No. 33 and No. 31. No. 33 has holes in the upper part of the fuselage, and aircraft No. 31 also has some body damage."[73]

On 15 August 2024, a Russian Tu-22M3 crashed and burned in theIrkutsk Oblast.[74][75][76][77]

Export

[edit]
Closeup of the proprietary refuelling probe on the Tu-22M1 nose

The Tupolev company has sought export customers for the Tu-22M since 1992, with possible customers including Iran, India and the People's Republic of China, but no sales have apparently been made. Unlike the Tu-22 bomber, Tu-22Ms were not exported to Middle East countries.[78][needs update]

During 1999, India reportedly signed a lease-to-buy contract for four Tu-22M aircraft for maritime reconnaissance and strike purposes, which were to enter IAF service in 2001. At the time, the aircraft were to be delivered with Kh-22 cruise missiles.[79][80]As of 2023 there is no evidence of operation or acquisition by the Indian Air Force.

Variants

[edit]
Earliest Tu-22M(0) modification
Tupolev Tu-22M1 modification
Tu-22M2 modification
A Ukrainian Air Force Tu-22M3 at SIAD 2002 Air Show, Bratislava, Slovakia
Tu-22M(0)
Earliest pre-production variant, 9 were produced.
Tu-22M1
Pilot-production aircraft, 9 were produced in 1971 and 1972. Its NATO reporting name wasBackfire-A.
Tu-22M2
The first major production version, entering production in 1972, was theTu-22M2(NATO:Backfire-B), with longer wings and an extensively redesigned,area ruledfuselage (raising the crew complement to four), twin NK-22 engines (215 kN thrust each) with distinctiveintake ramps,and new undercarriage with the mainlanding gearin the wing glove rather than in large pods. 211 Tu-22M2 were built from 1972 to 1983.[81]The Tu-22M2 had a top speed of Mach 1.65 and was armed most commonly with long-rangecruise missiles/anti-ship missiles,typically one or two Raduga Kh-22 anti-ship missiles.[81]Some Tu-22M2s were later reequipped with more powerful NK-23 engines and redesignatedTu-22M2Ye.
Tu-22M3
The laterTu-22M3(NATO:Backfire-C), which first flew in 1977, was introduced into operation in 1983[81]and officially entered service in 1989,[citation needed]had newNK-25 engineswith substantially more power, wedge-shaped intake ramps similar to theMiG-25,wings with greater maximum sweep and a recontoured nose housing a new Almaz PNA (Planeta Nositel, izdeliye 030A) navigation/attack (NATO 'Down Beat')[82]radar and NK-45 nav/attack system, which provides much-improved low-altitude flight. The aerodynamic changes increased its top speed to Mach 2.05 and its range by one third compared to the Tu-22M2.[81]It has a revised tail turret with a single cannon, and provision for an internalrotary launcherfor the RadugaKh-15missile, similar to the AmericanAGM-69 SRAM.It was nicknamedTroika('Trio' or third) in Russian service. 268 were built until 1993.[83][84][81]
As built, the Tu-22M included the provision for a retractable probe in the upper part of the nose foraerial refueling.The probe was reportedly removed as a result of theSALTnegotiations, because with refueling it was considered an intercontinental range strategic bomber.[85]The probe can be reinstalled if needed.[2][self-published source?][86]
Tu-22M3s used to attack targets in Syria underwent modernization, during which the SVP-24-22 specialized computing subsystems were installed on them, significantly increasing the accuracy of the bombing.[87]
Tu-22M4
The development of the "Izdeliye 4510" began in 1983. It was a modernization with the installation of newNK-32engines (from the Tu-160) and with a change in engine air intakes. The avionics were modernized by installing a new PNK, theObzor( "Overview" ) radar from the [Tu-160 and electronic warfare systems. The range of weapons was expanded: 3Kh-32or 10 Kh-15 (with placement on 6 internal and 4 external points of suspension) or UPAB-1500 with a television guidance system. In 1990, a prototype was built at the Kazan aircraft factory. Works in this direction were discontinued in November 1991. The prototype aircraft No. 4504 is in the museum exposition of the Dyagilevo air base.[88]
Tu-22MR
Several Tu-22M3s, perhaps 12, were converted to Tu-22M3(R) orTu-22MRstandard with the Shompolside looking airborne radarand otherELINTequipment.[2]
Tu-22DP
Tu-22DP (Dal'nego Perekhvata, long-range interception)/ DP-1 was a long-range interceptor project based on the Tu-22M2 (later on the basis of the Tu-22M3). R & D was conducted by the AN Tupolev Design Bureau together with GosNIIAS. It was assumed that the DP could also carry strike weapons.[88]
Tu-344
A canceledcivilian supersonic aircraftbased on the Tu-22M3, designed to carry10–12 passengers.Developed by Tupolev Design Bureau (ANTK named after A. Tupolev) within the framework of conversion program in the second half of the 1990s.[89]The development of the aircraft began in the 1990s with the emergence of interest and demand forsupersonic business jets(SBJ). Since the creation of an aircraft from scratch requires a large investment, Tupolev Design Bureau decided to create an SBJ-class aircraft based on Tu-22M3. However, the project proved to be unpromising at the time, as the aircraft was supposed to be used internationally, but did not meet international environmental standards of the day.[90][91]
Tu-22M3 with SVP-24-22
Modernized Tu-22M3 of the Russian Aerospace Forces fitted with a new sighting and computing system SVP-24-22 Gefest, instead of the NK-45Vakhta-2complex. The SVP-24-22 includes a new and more powerful SV-24 onboard computer, UVV-MP-22 input-output device, flight information generation unit – BFI, aviation collimator indicator KAI-24, radio navigation system SRNS-24 with the A737 satellite receiver and the solid-state information storage device TBN-K-2 to save data of the navigation-targeting complex SVP-24-22 and of the flight recorder. 5 modernized aircraft entered service in 2015,[92][93][94]2 in 2017,[95][96]1 in 2018,[97]2 in 2019 and 2 in 2022.[98][99][100][101]
Tu-22M3M
Tu-22M3 for theRussian Aerospace Forceswith engines from Tu-160M2 (NK-32-02), 80 percent of avionics are replaced or upgraded,[102]including SVP-24-22 bombsights, a phased array NV-45 radar, GLONASS navigation system, modern digital glass cockpit and engine controls, electronic warfare countermeasures,[102][103]and the ability to use precision air-to-surface weapons. The modernization also counts with installation ofmid-air refuelingequipment, removed from existing aircraft in 1979 under theSALT IIagreement, that will significantly increase the combat radius of the bomber.[104]The Russian Ministry of Defense intends to upgrade up to 30 aircraft out of approximately 60 Tu-22M3s currently in service to the advanced Tu-22M3M variant.[105][106]Can carry 3Kh-32[107]or 4Kh-47M2 Kinzhalmissiles.[17]Service life will be extended to 40–45 years.[108]On 16 August 2018, the first modernized aircraft was unveiled during a roll-out ceremony at theKazan Aviation Plant.[109]It performed its maiden flight on 28 December 2018.[110]On 20 March 2020, the second modernized Tu-22M3M aircraft had its maiden flight.[111][112]On 27 May 2020, it was reported that an upgraded Tu-22M3M strategic bomber had undergone trials at supersonic speed during its fourth test flight out of five already conducted.[113]

Operators

[edit]
A Tu-22M3 in Russian Air Force's service
Russian Tu 22M3 group airstrike in Syria
Russia

Former operators

[edit]
Soviet Tu-22M1 Backfire-B bomber aircraft in flight
Soviet Tupolev Tu-22M-3 'Backfire C', 1992
Russia
Soviet Union
A Ukrainian Tu-22M3 is dismantled in 2002 with assistance from the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program implemented by theDefense Threat Reduction Agency.
Ukraine

Notable accidents and losses

[edit]
  • On 16 September 2017, a Tu-22M3 overran the runway atShaykovka Air Basedue to an aborted take off. The aircraft was written off. All four crew members survived without injury.[127]
  • On 22 January 2019, a Tu-22M3 crash-landed after a training flight while attempting to make a landing at theOlenya Air Basenear the city ofOlenegorskin Russia's Murmansk region. Three of the four crew members died in the crash.[128]A video shows the aircraft making a hard landing, which instantly ruptured the airframe and detached the forward cockpit area.[129]
  • On 23 March 2021, a Tu-22M3's ejection system malfunctioned,[130]suddenly activating while still on the ground. The incident resulted in the deaths of three crew members and the hospitalization of a fourth.[131]An official from Russia's Defense Ministry said that "due to the insufficient altitude for parachute opening, three crew members received fatal injuries upon landing".[128]The aircraft was atShaykovka Air Baseundergoing engine start procedures.
  • On 19 August 2023, a Tu-22M3 was destroyed by a drone strike from the2023 Ukrainian counteroffensivewhile on the ground atSoltsy-2inNovgorod Oblast.Satellite pictures of the air base showed that the other bombers stationed there had been evacuated, while photographs taken on the ground showed the plane that had been hit by the drone ablaze and was completely destroyed by the resultant fire.[132]
  • On 19 April 2024, a Tu-22M3 crashed in theStavropol regionof Russia. Video shows the aircraft in aflat spinwith visible flames on the rear of the aircraft. Ukrainian sources claimed that the bomber was shot down using asurface-to-air missile,[133]with the loss of the Tu-22M3 being the second confirmed kill of a strategic bomber during the conflict.[134]
  • On 15 August 2024, a Tu-22M3 crashed in theIrkutsk Oblastof Russia while performing a "routine flight". The preliminary cause of the crash is said to be a technical malfunction. According to the Ministry of Defense, the crew ejected before their plane crashed.[135]Initially all crew were reported alive by Irkutsk Oblast GovernorIgor Kobzev,however he later clarified that a pilot had died. The other crew members were in hospital with "injuries of varying severity."[136]

Specifications (Tu-22M3)

[edit]
Orthographic projection of the Tupolev Tu-22M
1 × 23 mmGSh-23cannon in remotely controlled tail turret
18 ×FAB-500general-purpose bomb on two fuselage mounted pylons
A RadugaKh-32anti-ship missile under a Tu-22M3

Data fromFrawley,[137]

General characteristics

  • Crew:4 (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, weapon systems officer)
  • Length:42.46 m (139 ft 4 in)[citation needed]
  • Wingspan:34.28 m (112 ft 6 in) spread (20° sweep)
23.3 m (76 ft) swept (65° sweep)
  • Height:11.05 m (36 ft 3 in)
  • Wing area:183.6 m2(1,976 sq ft) spread (20° sweep)
175.8 m2(1,892 sq ft) swept (65° sweep)
  • Empty weight:58,000 kg (127,868 lb)
  • Gross weight:112,000 kg (246,918 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight:126,000 kg (277,782 lb)[citation needed]
  • Maximum take-off weight, rocket assisted:126,400 kg (278,664 lb)
  • Fuel capacity:54,000 kg (119,050 lb) internal
  • Powerplant:2 ×Kuznetsov NK-25Afterburning turbofanengines, 247.9 kN (55,700 lbf) with afterburner

Performance

  • Maximum speed:1,997 km/h (1,241 mph, 1,078 kn)[citation needed]at 9,140 m (30,000 ft)
  • Maximum speed:Mach 1.88
  • Range:6,800 km (4,200 mi, 3,700 nmi)
  • Combat range:2,500 km (1,600 mi, 1,300 nmi) with typical 10,000 kg weapons load[138]
  • Ferry range:7,000 km (4,300 mi, 3,800 nmi)[citation needed]
  • Service ceiling:13,300 m (43,600 ft)
  • Rate of climb:15 m/s (3,000 ft/min)
  • Wing loading:688 kg/m2(141 lb/sq ft)
  • Thrust/weight:0.45

Armament

  • Guns:1 × 23-mmGSh-23cannonin remotely controlled tail turret
  • Hardpoints:wing and fuselage pylons and internal weapons bay with a capacity of 24,000 kg (53,000 lb) of
  • Up to 18 ×FAB-500general-purpose bomb in weapons bay and on wing pylonsor
  • Up to 3 ×Kh-22/Kh-32missiles in weapons bay and on wing pylonsor
  • Up to 6 ×Kh-15missiles on a MKU-6-1 rotary launcher in its bomb bay, plus 4 × Raduga Kh-15 missiles on two underwing pylons for a total of 10 missiles per aircraft.
  • Up to 4 ×Kh-47M2 Kinzhal[139]
  • Various sea mines[140]and freefall bombs – 69 ×FAB-250or 8 ×FAB-1500might be typical.

TheKh-55(AS-15Kent) long-range cruise missile was tested on the Tu-22M[141]but apparently not used in service.

See also

[edit]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^Air InternationalOctober 1980,p. 188
  2. ^abcdeGoebel, Greg."The Tupolev Tu-22" Blinder "& Tu-22M 'Backfire'".Vectorsite.net.Archived fromthe originalon 5 March 2012.
  3. ^ab"What is the Russian bomber plane that Ukraine says it shot down?".Reuters.19 April 2024.
  4. ^"Intelligence chief: Russia has 27 operable Tu-22M3 bombers left following recent strikes".The Kyiv Independent.2023-08-23.Retrieved2024-08-15.
  5. ^abKandalov & Duffy 1996, p. 124.
  6. ^abGordon, Rigmant & Komissarov 1999, p. 51.
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  8. ^Gordon, Rigmant & Komissarov 1999, pp. 51–52.
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[edit]
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