Tu-160 (Blackjack) Russian Strategic Bomber

Tu-160

Supersonic Strategic Bomber

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Tu-160 (Blackjack) Russian Strategic Bomber — Tu-160_(A).jpgTRADOC ODIN WEG

Basic Information

Name

Tu-160 (Blackjack) Russian Strategic Bomber

Designation

Tu-160

Alternate Designation

Tu-160; NATO: Blackjack (Russian designation: White Swan)

Equipment Type

Supersonic Strategic Bomber

Manufacturer

Tupolev

Date of Introduction

1987

Description

The Tupolev Tu-160 (NATO reporting name: Blackjack) is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber designed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. It is the largest and heaviest Mach 2+ supersonic military aircraft ever built and next to the experimental XB-70 Valkyrie in overall length. As of 2021, it is the largest and heaviest combat aircraft, the fastest bomber in use and the largest and heaviest variable-sweep wing airplane ever flown. Entering service in 1987, the Tu-160 was the last strategic bomber designed for the Soviet Union. As of 2016, the Russian Air Force's Long Range Aviation branch has at least 16 aircraft in service. The Tu-160 active fleet has been undergoing upgrades to electronics systems since the early 2000s with the first updated aircraft delivered in December 2014.

Air & Air Defense Specifications

Crew 4

Engine Afterburning Turbofan (137 hp)

Max Speed 2.1 km/h

Service Ceiling 16000 m

Variants

Tu-160M Upgraded version that features new weaponry, improved electronics and avionics, which double its combat effectiveness.

Tu-160M2 Modernization program upgrade version featuring low observable coatings, new more powerful and efficient engines giving it greater operational range, new avionics, electronics, improved cockpit, communications and control systems, and a number of weapons, as well as improved thrust and unrefueled range. Features a new defensive system protecting it from missiles. First upgraded aircraft reportedly released in 2021.

System

Alternate Designation Tu-160; NATO: Blackjack (Russian designation: White Swan)

Type Supersonic Strategic Bomber

Manufacturer Tupolev

Crew 4 ea

Dimensions

Length 54.1 m (177 ft 6 in)

Wingspan (Wings spread) Wingspan: 55.7 m (182 ft 9 in), wings spread (20°)

Wingspan (Wings swept) 35.6 m (117 ft), wings swept (65°)

Wing Area (Wings spread) 400 m2 (4,300 sq ft) wings spread

Wing Area (Wings swept) 360 m2 (3,875 sq ft) wings swept

Height 13.1 m (43 ft 0 in)

Empty Weight 110,000 kg (242,508 lb)

Gross Weight 267,600 kg (589,957 lb)

Maximum Takeoff Weight 275,000 kg (606,271 lb)

Automotive

Engine Name 4 × Samara NK-321

Engine Type Afterburning Turbofan

Engine Power 137.3 kN (30,900 lbf) thrust each dry, 245 kN (55,000 lbf) with afterburner

Fuel Capacity INA

Maximum Speed Mach 2.05

Range 12,300 km (7,600 mi, 6,600 nmi) practical range without in-flight refueling, Mach 0.77 and carrying 6 × fuel tanks (Kh-55SM) dropped at mid range and 5% fuel reserves

Combat Range 2,000 km (1,200 mi, 1,100 nmi) at Mach 1.5; or 7,300 km (4,536 mi) at subsonic speeds

Ferry Range INA

Service Ceiling 16,000 m (52,000 ft)

Rate of Climb 70 m/s (14,000 ft/min)

Armament

Bomb Bay Two internal weapons bays for 45,000 kg (99,208 lb) of ordnance.

Missile Launchers Two internal rotary launchers each holding 6× Raduga Kh-55SM/101/102/555 cruise missiles (primary armament) or 12× AS-16 Kickback short-range nuclear missiles.

Avionics

Armament Control System Integrated aiming, navigation and flight control system

Radar Warning System Equipped

Target Navigation Radar Navigation and attack radar equipped

Protection

Stealth Properties None

Heat Signature Reduction INA

EW Countermeasures Electronic countermeasures system equipped

Chaffs/Flares INA

Image Sources

Notes https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Air-to-air_with_a_Tupolev_Tu-160.jpg; https://www.amazon.com/Esquirla-Tupolev-Fighter-Diecast-Collection/dp/B0B5YQ1BJP; https://www.instagram.com/p/B89HxFqBFUZ/;

Details

Country of Origin Russia

Category Fixed Wing Aircraft

Air > Fixed Wing Aircraft

Classification

Domain

Air & Air Defense

Equipment Status

Active

Dimensions

Length

16.49 m

Width

—

Height

3.99 m

Weight

121381.22 kg

Operators (1)

Russia

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