Tupolev Tu-22IVi Backfire Sub-strategic strike/attack bomber

evelopment of the Tu-22M began in 1962, concurrently with the variable-geometry Su-17 programme (with which it shared a very similar wing plan-form). The first of about nine Tu-22IVl-0 prototypes made its maiden flight on 30 August 1969. Nine pre-production Tu-22M-1s were used for test and evaluation, and the first of 211 production Tu-22M-2 ‘Backfire-B’ bombers made ts fret flight in 1975. This introduced a longer-span wing, з redesigned forward fuselage for four crew and a revised undercarriage, retracting inwards. The tail armament was increased to two remotely – controlled NR-23 23-mm cannons, controlled by the new ‘Fan Tail’ radar.

Initially, Tu-22Ms were usually seen carrying a single AS-4 ‘Kitchen’ ASM on the centreline, semi – recessed, but today a more usual load seems to be two underwing missiles. In the later Tu-22M-3 ‘Backfire-C’, these bays can accommodate the rotary launchers for the RKV-500B (AS-16 ‘Kick-back’) short-range attack missile, used mainly for defence suppression, with two more of these missiles under each wing. Defensive armament is reduced to a single cannon.

The new variant also introduced completely new wedge-type engine intakes, a recontoured upturned nose possibly housing a new attack radar and TFR. ‘Backfire-C’ is believed to have entered service during 1985. and 268 were built at Kazan, A Tu-245 upgrade configuration is planned, with new
radar and avionics. A handful of Tu-22MP EW/escort jammers were produced but are not believed to have entered service, although 12 Tu-22MR recce aircraft with Shompol SLAR are in service wi;h the AV-MF, Production continued at a rate of 30 per year until 1992, when about 497 had been completed.

With its wings fully swept back (to 65°), the Tu-22M is capable of a Mach 2 dash at high altitude, and of speeds up to Mach 0.9 at low level. Unrefuelled combat radius of the Tu-22M-2 ’Backfire-B’ is quoted as 4000 km (2,485 miles), and the radius of action of ‘Backfire-C may be even better. The Tu-22M continues to play a vital role in the Russian air forces (with 68 in use), and with Russian nava aviation (82 in service), and between 54 and 70 more are in service in the Ukraine. The Tu-22M-3 has been offered for export on several occasions, with customers such as Iran, Libya and Syria all expressing an interest. India is understood to have agreed a Teasing deal with Russia for the supply of Tu-22M3s

Specification: Tupolev Tu-22M-2 Backfire-B"

Powerplant: two 196.13-kN(44,092-lbl KKBM (Kuznetsov) NK-2? turbo fans Dimensions: wing span 34.30 m (112 ft 6/ ir) spread and 23.40 m (/6 It 9/ in) swept; length 39.80 in 1129 ft 11 in); height 10.80 m (35 ft 54 in)

Weights: basic empty 54000 kg [113.048 lb): maximum take-off 130000 kg (286.5Э6 lb) Performance: maximum level speed 2125 kmh (1,320 mph); service ceiling 18000 m (59,055 It); ferry range 12000 km (7,457 miles), combat radius 2.159 nm (4000 km; 2,486 miles] Armament: one GSh-23 23-mm cannon in tad turret; normal load 12000 kg (26.455 lb!