Description:
The Tupolev Tu-160, Blackjack NATO-codename, is a long range, supersonic, variable geometry wings, strategic bomber designed to penetrate sophisticated air defense systems at low altitude and supersonic speed. It is the Soviet counterpart to American B-1B Lancer strategic bomber. Armament, typically nuclear short range and long range cruise missiles, is carried inside two weapons bays located at the middle of the fuselage.
The Tu-160 bomber is powered by 4 NK-231 engines rated at 55,100-lb each. The NK-231 engines provide supersonic flight capability and intercontinental range through fuel consumption optimization. The Tu-160 bomber features in-flight refueling capability for extended range and maximum payload operations.
About 39 Tu-160 bombers were built between 1990 and 1992. The first bomber entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1990. Its future remains uncertain spare parts availability, lack of funds for upgrades and poor maintenance. However, the Russian Federation Air Force (RFAF) is getting one or two upgraded Tu-160 bombers each year. The RFAF, currently the sole Tu-160 operator, seeks to deploy a new strategic bomber beginning in 2015/2025 and replacing current Tu-95, Tu-22 and Tu-160 aircraft.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 4
Dimensions: Height 13 m, Length 54 m, Wingspan 56 m
Weights: Max Weight 275 t, Min Weight 110 t, Payload 40,000 kg (88,183 lb)
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 220,000 lb (99,792 kg)
Performance: Ceiling 16,000 m (52,493 ft), Max Range 14,000 km (7,559 nm), Min Range 10,500 km (5,670 nm), Top Speed 681 mps (Mach 2)
Other: Number of Engines 4
Tu-160 - Contracts, Orders & Sales
Operators
Russia / 36
As of April 2006, approximately only 14 Tu-160s are designated by the Russian Federation as strategic bombers entitled to release weapons armed with nuclear warheads.
As of
Holdings
2008
16 (upgraded aircraft)
Image Gallery
Notes (*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
Russia / 36 
As of April 2006, approximately only 14 Tu-160s are designated by the Russian Federation as strategic bombers entitled to release weapons armed with nuclear warheads.