Tu-22M3 (Backfire-C) Russian Long-Range Strategic Bomber
Tu-22M
Long-Range Strategic Bomber
Other
Basic Information
Name
Tu-22M3 (Backfire-C) Russian Long-Range Strategic Bomber
Designation
Tu-22M
Alternate Designation
Tu-22M; NATO: Backfire
Equipment Type
Long-Range Strategic Bomber
Manufacturer
Tupolev
Date of Introduction
1972
Description
Tu-22M3 Backfire-C This version first flew on June 20, 1977, and entered serial production that same year. A total of 268 were completed when production ended in 1993. The Tu-22M3 completed state acceptance trials in 1981 but was not formally commissioned into service until March 1989. This upgrade resulted in a lengthened nose profile upturned lower line, possibly representing a new radar and different engine intakes.
Air & Air Defense Specifications
Crew
4
Engine
Afterburning Turbofan (247 hp)
Max Speed
2300.0 km/h
Service Ceiling
13300 m
Wingspan
34.28 m
Variants
Tu-22Mo Backfire-A
The first bombers received the designation Tu-22Mo. Development began in 1964-65 to meet a joint requirement by the former Soviet air force and navy for a replacement for the Tu-22/Tu-16.
Tu-22M Backfire-A
This was a pre-production series of an estimated 12 aircraft placed in operational service with Soviet naval aviation.
Tu-22M1 Backfire-A
This version first flew on July 1, 1971. Nine were built; a 10th was for static testing.
Tu-22M2 Backfire-B
This was the initial production model, which differed from the Tu-22M3 Backfire-C. It was developed for the long-range strategic bombing role in the early 1970s.
Tu-22M2Ye Backfire-B
his variant was equipped with the new NK-25 engines and an advanced flight-control system. However, it did not achieve improved flight characteristics.
Tu-22M3 Backfire-C
This version first flew June 20, 1977, and entered serial production that same year. A total of 268 were completed when production ended in 1993.
Tu-22MR Backfire reconnaissance variant
This variant entered made its first flight on Dec. 6, 1985. About a dozen were built between 1989 and 1993.
Tu-22MP escort jammer
This variant, equipped with the Myass jamming system, was developed in the mid-1980s. The program ultimately did not progress due to problems with onboard systems.
Tu-22ME Backfire naval reconnaissance variant
This version is thought to have been under development since 1990.
Tu-22M5
This was a modest upgrade program offered by Tupolev. It added a new attack radar with automatic terrain-avoidance capabilities and a new GPS/inertial navigation system-based capability.
Tu-22M3M Backfire
This program to upgrade the Backfire-C began in 1990 as Isdeliye 45.03M. The design went through many variations, with little progress, until it was finally authorized in 2010.
Tu-22M3 with SVP-24-22
By 2014, at least three Tu-22M3s had received a lower-cost upgrade that centered on replacing the old Orbita-10 flight computer with a variant of the SVP-24 (SVP-24-22) originally developed for the Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft.
System
Alternate Designation
Tu-22M; NATO: Backfire
Type
Long-Range Strategic Bomber
Manufacturer
Tupolev
Crew
4 ea
Hardpoints
Wing and fuselage pylons and internal weapons bay with a capacity of 24,000 kg.
Dimensions
Length
42.46 m
Wingspan
34.28 m
Wing Area
183.6 m2
Height
11.05 m
Empty Weight
58,000 kg
Gross Weight
112,000 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight
126,000 kg
Automotive
Engine Name
2 × Kuznetsov NK-25
Engine Type
Afterburning Turbofan
Engine Power
247.9 kN (55,700 lbf) with afterburner
Fuel Capacity
54,000 kg
Maximum Speed
2,300 km/h
Range
6,800 km
Combat Range
2,410 km
Ferry Range
7,000 km
Service Ceiling
13,300 m
Rate of Climb
15 m/s
Main Gun System
Note
Remotely Controlled Tail Turret
System
Name
1 × 23-mm GSh-23 cannon in the Remotely Controlled Tail Turret
Type
Autocannon
Caliber
23 mm
Length
1,387 mm
Barrel Length
1,000 mm
Weight
49.2 kg
Barrels
2 ea
Action
Gast principle
Rate of Fire
3,400–3,600 rounds/min
Muzzle Velocity
715 m/s
Ammunition
Type
Rifle
Caliber
23 mm
Cartridge
23x115 mm
Basic Load
INA
Missile System
Note
1-3 x Kh-22MA (NATO AS-4 Kitchen) air-to- surface; or 10 x Kh-15 (NATO AS-6 Kickback) air-to-surface (4 externally and 6 internally on rotary launchers).
Bomb System
Note
24,000 kg (half internal, half on external racks). The standard load is
69 x FAB-250 or 8 FAB-1500 bombs.
Avionics
Search and Target Radar
1 x PNA (Isdeliya 030A) Down Beat I-band for AS-4
Fire Control System
1 x Fan Tail FCS for 23-mm guns
Radar Warning System
1 x Bee Hind I-band radar warning system in the tail
Target Navigation Radar
1 x MTN missile system with integral TV-optical bomb sight, integrated with search radar.
Protection
Stealth Properties
None
Heat Signature Reduction
No
EW Countermeasures
INA
Chaffs/Flares
INA
Details
Country of Origin
Russia
Category
Fixed Wing Aircraft
Air > Fixed Wing Aircraft
Filter Label
T
Classification
Domain
Air & Air Defense
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
42.46 m
Width
—
Height
11.05 m
Weight
112000 kg
Operators (2)
Russia
CFE Treaty
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