Tupolev Tu-128 Fiddler
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| First flight | 18 March 1961 |
| Year of introduction | 1963 |
| Number produced | 198 units |
| Average unit price | $7 million |
Description
Designed to replace the Yak-25 in the late 1950s, the Tu-128 (initially designated as Tu-28) was a very large interceptor, possibly the largest fighter ever built. Equipped with a powerful Big Nose radar and a long range, its purpose was to defend the vast Soviet territory, particularly areas not protected by air-defense systems. The Fiddler was designed to intercept and destroy NATO aircraft crossing Soviet borders, with the assistance of ground-based radar stations guiding it to the enemy. It posed a significant threat to the Strategic Air Command's strategic bombers. Each Fiddler carried 4 AA-3 Anab missiles.
The Tu-128 Fiddler was retired from service in 1992 and was never exported outside the Soviet Union. Approximately 300 units were produced.
Technical specifications
| Version: Tu-128 Fiddler-B | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot + 1 WSO |
| Maximum speed | 1740 km/h (1081 mph) |
| Wing area | 80 m² (861.1 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 18.1 m (59.4 ft) |
| Height | 7 m (23.0 ft) |
| Length | 27.2 m (89.2 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 18000 m (59055 ft) |
| Empty weight | 24500 kg (54013 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 40000 kg (88185 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 125.0 m/s (410.1 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbojets AL-7F-2 delivering 6799 kgp, up to 10110 kgp with afterburner |
| Ejection seat | Tupolev KT-1 |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the Tu-128 Fiddler in 2024.
All operators
Ex-USSR
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Air-to-Air Medium-Range Bisnovat R-4 (AA-5 Ash)
Photo of Tu-128 Fiddler
