Saturday, October 11, 2008

Tu-22M

IOC: 1983
Total Production: 500

Tu-22M3

Also Known As
Backfire-C

Origin
Russia

Contractor/s
PSC Tupolev

Guided Missiles:
Kh-15 (10)
Kh-22 (3)
Kh-28
KSR-5

Guns & Missile Launchers:
GSh-23L

Description: The Tupolev Tu-22M3, Backfire-C NATO-codename, is a swing-wing, medium range bomber designed to strike targets in Western Europe and Asia using both nuclear and conventional weapons. It has been designed to penetrate enemy air defense at low altitude and supersonic speed making him more survivable than previous strike aircraft. In addition to the strike role, the Tu-22M3 can carry out reconnaissance and maritime patrol missions.

The nuclear-capable Tu-22M3 bomber features in-flight refueling capability for extended range missions which has been assumed as a capability for long range strikes against the United States. The total number of Tu22Ms owned by Russia is less than 300 aircraft due to treaties between the former Soviet Union and the United States.

The Tu-22M3 entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983. It is the last derivative of the proven Tu-22M medium range bomber. Compared to its predecessors it has an enhanced aerodynamic design and improved overall performance.

Specifications
Accommodation: Crew 4

Guns: Main Gun Caliber 23 mm

Dimensions: Length 42.5 m, Wingspan 34 m

Weights: Max Weight 126 t, Payload 24,000 kg (52,910 lb)

Engine/s Performance: Thrust 110,000 lb (49,896 kg)

Performance: Ceiling 14,000 m (45,932 ft), Cruise Speed 280 mps (Mach 0.84), Max Range 6,800 km (3,672 nm), Top Speed 730 mps (Mach 2.20)

Other: Number of Engines 2

Operators

see operators map

Russia

As of	Holdings
2008	141

Ukraine

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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)

Last Updated: Friday, October 10, 2008

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