Skip to main content

Tupolev TU-22M - Soviet/Russian Swing Wing Heavy Bomber

By: Schiffer Publishing

Type: Hardcover

Product Line: Aviation - Modern/Cold War (Schiffer Publishing)

MSRP $64.99


Product Info

Title
Tupolev TU-22M - Soviet/Russian Swing Wing Heavy Bomber
Category
Author
Yefim Gordon , Dmitriy Komissarov
Publish Year
2020
Pages
336
Dimensions
9x11.5x.25"
NKG Part #
2148000949
Type
Hardcover

Description

In the late 1960s, the patriarch of Soviet aircraft design, Andrey Tupolev, offered the Soviet air force a supersonic bomber to replace the 1950s-vintage Tu-22 Blinder with a less capable "but cheaper" alternative to the Sukhoi design bureau's proposed T-4 strategic bomber. Tupolev did not offer it as an "all-new" aircraft but, instead, passed it off as a "massive upgrade" of the Blinder. Thus was born the Tu-22M, Tupolev's first aircraft with variable swept wings and the ability to carry both bombs and supersonic cruise missiles. In the West the new bomber became known as the Backfire. First flown in 1969, the aircraft entered production in 1972. The most widespread version was the Tu-22M3, which soldiers on today with the Russian air force. The Backfire has had an active career both in Cold War operations and in "hot" wars, from Afghanistan to Syria, where it has participated in the global war on terrorism. This book describes the Tu-22M's development, including the latest upgrades, and its Soviet and post-Soviet operations. Fleet lists are included, as is a detailed design description, and a wealth of color profiles and line drawings.


Features 840 color, b/w photos, profiles, and line drawings.

Just added to your cart

Product Added to Cart

Continue Shopping

Just added to your want list

Product Added to Want List

Continue Shopping