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Tupolev Tu-22M3
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Tu-22M3 Specifications
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Primary Function:
Crew:
Engines:
Thrust:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Cannon:
Ordnance:
Length:
Wingspan open:
Wingspan swept:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Range:
Ceiling:
First Flight:
Year
Deployed: |
heavy bomber
four
Kuznetsov turbofans
2 x 55,100 lbs. ea.
119,000 lbs.
278,600 lbs.
1- 23 mm
52,900 lbs.
139' 4"
112' 6"
76' 6"
1,240 mph
5,500 fpm
3,000 miles
43,600 feet
8/30/69
1972 |
In 1955 the Soviet Union studied the possibility of producing a long-range, supersonic, heavy bomber,
capable of delivering nuclear weapons. It would have to fly fast and high enough to penetrate Western air defenses.
The existence of the result of the study, the Tupolev Tu-22, was not known to the West until its first
public appearance in 1961. NATO gave the aircraft the code name "Binder". A prototype of the aircraft first flew on Sept. 7, 1959.
The original Tupolev Tu-22 Binder can easily be distinguished from the newer Tu-22M due to the position of its twin
engines on each side of the base of its vertical stabilizer.
Original Tu-22 showing rear engine position.
Some 300 Tupolev Tu-22 bombers were manufactured from 1960 to 1969. The "A" variant was used
for reconnaissance and as a bomber capable of carrying nuclear free-fall bombs. The "B" variant had a radar under its nose and was armed
with missiles. The "C" variant carried six reconnaissance cameras in its bomb bay for daylight missions. A "D"
variant was used for training and had separate cockpits for its pilot and student. The "E" variant, officially designated the
Tu-22P, was equipped for electronic countermeasures. Russia retired the original Tu-22 in 1989.
In addition to Russia, the Tu-22 was used by Iraq, Libya, and the Ukraine. It was in action during the
Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and used by Iraq in their war with Iran. The Tu-22 bombers of Libya saw action against Chad and Sudan.
Engine reliability and little advantage over its predecessor, the Tu-16, limited the production of the Tu-22
Binder. The Tu-22M Backfire swing-wing bomber was deployed in 1972 and gradually replaced all Binder aircraft.
Tu-22M with wings in swept position.
The Tu-22M Backfire has more power to weight than its predecessor. Its engines are conventionally
positioned and its swing-wing gives it a wider flight envelope than the Binder. Ordnance carried by the Tu-22M3, the latest version of
the Backfire, includes cruise missiles which can be armed with conventional or nuclear warheads.
In 1987 the Tu-22M first saw action as a high altitude bomber in Afghanistan, and in 1995 it was employed over Chechnya.
About 500 Tu-22M aircraft of all types were produced through 1993. Some 140 aircraft are currently deployed
by Russia, of which about 30 will be receiving new avionics to extend their service lives.
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Tupolev Tu-22
