Tupolev Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
Summary
| Category | Bomber |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| First flight | 30 August 1969 |
| Year of introduction | 1973 |
| Number produced | 497 units |
| Average unit price | $65 million |
Description
The Tu-22M Backfire, initially designated Tu-26, is a supersonic strategic bomber that combines conventional, nuclear, and anti-ship strike capabilities, as well as reconnaissance missions. The original designation Tu-26 was changed to Tu-22M solely for administrative reasons, aiming to facilitate budget approval. However, the design of the Tu-22M significantly differs from that of the Tu-22 Blinder.
The Backfire features a variable geometry wing, providing it with agility and the ability to penetrate at low altitudes. It is also powered by more powerful engines, mounted inside the fuselage. Its range is twice that of the Blinder, and its maximum speed reaches Mach 2. Furthermore, the Tu-22M's offensive payload has been increased to 24,000 kg. It can carry missiles such as the AS-4 Kitchen and AS-6 Kingfish cruise missiles.
Several improved versions have been introduced. The Tu-22M-2 standard, which constitutes the majority of the fleet and entered service in 1976, has more advanced engines compared to the Tu-22M-0 and Tu-22M-1. The Tu-22M-3, introduced into the Russian Air Force in 1983, features an elongated nose, new air intakes, and a maximum wing sweep of 65°. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 2,300 km/h, it can carry a payload twice that of the Tu-22M-2 (for example, 3 Kh-22 cruise missiles or 10 Kh-15 missiles) over a distance of 6,800 km.
The Tu-22M Backfire was notably used during the 1980s in the war in Afghanistan, for conventional bombing missions. In total, approximately 500 aircraft of all variants were built.
Technical specifications
| Version: Tu-22M3 Backfire-C | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 4 members |
| Operational range | 2410 km (1498 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 2327 km/h (1446 mph) |
| Wing area | 183.6 m² (1976.3 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 34.3 m (112.5 ft) |
| Height | 11.1 m (36.3 ft) |
| Length | 42.4 m (139.1 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 13300 m (43635 ft) |
| Empty weight | 58000 kg (127868 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 126000 kg (277782 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 15.0 m/s (49.2 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbojets Kuznetsov NK-25 delivering 25000 kgp |
| Ejection seat | Tupolev KT-1 |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Russia | 59 | |
Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Hypersonic Air-to-Surface Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (AS-24 Killjoy)
- Air-to-Surface Kh-15 (AS-16 Kickback)
- Air-to-Surface Kh-22 Burya (AS-4 Kitchen)
Bombs payload:
- Low-Drag FAB-250
- Low-Drag FAB-1500
Photo of Tu-22M / Tu-26 Backfire
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