On February 21, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kazan Aviation Plant to oversee the presentation of four new Tu-160M strategic bombers, set to join the Russian Aerospace Forces. These aircraft, referred to as the "White Swan" within Russia and as the Blackjack by NATO, are recognized as one of the largest and heaviest supersonic military aircraft with a variable-sweep wing configuration ever constructed.
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Among the four Tu-160M bombers presented, two were newly constructed models of the Tu-160M variant, and the remaining two were upgraded from the original Tu-160 configuration to the updated Tu-160M standard. (Picture source: Kazan Aviation Plant)
The four Tu-160M bombers displayed were labeled as B/N "22" Red, soon to be named "Mintimer Shaimiev", B/N "06" Red, also known as "Ilya Muromets" with the serial number RF-94105, B/N "07" Red, referred to as "Alexander Molodchy" with the serial number RF-94106, and B/N "23" Red, which bears the serial number RF-66017. Among these, B/N "22" Red and B/N "23" Red are newly built models of the Tu-160M variant, while B/N "06" Red and B/N "07" Red are upgrades from the original Tu-160 configuration to the modernized Tu-160M standard.
The development of the Tu-160 was initiated in 1975 as a counter to the American Rockwell B-1 Lancer, entering service in 1987. It was primarily engineered for delivering nuclear and conventional payloads deep within enemy territories. Its design allows for a heavy payload and long-range missions, supported by four Kuznetsov NK-32 afterburning turbofan engines, contributing to its extended range of 12,300 km without in-flight refueling. The aircraft's design, including its variable geometry wing, is tailored to enhance its performance across different flight speeds and altitudes. It is also equipped to carry strategic cruise missiles such as the Kh-55MS, which have a range of up to 3,000 km.
The Tupolev Tu-160 is designed to accommodate a crew of four, including a pilot, co-pilot, bombardier, and defensive systems officer. The aircraft's dimensions are notable, with a length of 54.1 meters, a variable wingspan of 55.7 meters when the wings are spread at a 20-degree angle, and 35.6 meters when swept to a 65-degree angle. The height of the Tu-160 is recorded at 13.1 meters. Depending on the wing configuration, the wing area varies between 400 square meters when the wings are spread and 360 square meters when they are swept. The empty weight of the aircraft is 110,000 kg, with a gross weight of 267,600 kg and a maximum takeoff weight of 275,000 kg. It is powered by four Kuznetsov NK-32 afterburning turbofan engines, each providing a thrust of 137.3 kN in dry condition and 245 kN with afterburner.
Regarding performance, the Tu-160 can achieve a maximum speed of 2,220 km/h at an altitude of 12,200 meters, corresponding to Mach 2.05, and maintain a cruise speed of 960 km/h at subsonic speeds (Mach 0.9). Its practical range without in-flight refueling is 12,300 km, based on flying at Mach 0.77, while its service ceiling reaches 16,000 meters. The combat range varies, with the capability to reach up to 2,000 km at Mach 1.5 or up to 7,300 km at subsonic speeds. In terms of armament, the Tu-160 is equipped with two internal weapon bays that can support up to 45,000 kg of ordnance. This includes the capacity for two internal rotary launchers, each capable of holding six Raduga Kh-55SM/101/102/555/BD cruise missiles, which constitute the bomber's primary armament, or twelve Raduga Kh-15 short-range nuclear missiles.
In recent years, the Russian military has been updating its strategic bomber fleet, which includes the Tu-160. This modernization effort began following a 2015 directive from Putin and aims to improve the aircraft's avionics, radar, and navigation systems, along with integrating new weapons systems. The decision to resume production of the Tu-160 in its updated form, the Tu-160M, reflects a step in advancing Russia's military aviation capabilities. This program led to the first flight of a newly produced Tu-160M bomber on January 12, 2022. There are plans to bring all existing Tu-160 bombers to this new standard, with a further updated variant, the Tu-160M2, planned for the future.
This modernization fills a temporary gap pending the arrival of the next-generation Promising Long-Range Aviation Complex (PAK DA), expected to be in service by approximately 2027. The PAK DA is intended to replace older models such as the Tu-95, Tu-160, and Tu-22M3. Currently, there are 14 Tu-160 strategic bombers in operation within the Russian Aerospace Forces, each bearing unique designations.
The resumption of Tu-160M production, notably under challenging conditions due to sanctions, required significant efforts in digitization of design documentation and restoration of technological processes, including vacuum welding for titanium components and the production of aircraft airframe units, as highlighted by Sergei Chemezov, General Director of the Rostec State Corporation.
Key enhancements to the Tu-160M include upgrades to its onboard electronic systems, including updates to the inertial navigation, electronic warfare, fuel management, and weapons control systems. Additionally, the aircraft may be equipped with updated Kuznetsov NK-32-02 afterburning turbofan engines, aiming to surpass the performance of the original NK-32 engines. The Tu-160M is also slated to be armed with advanced weaponry, such as the Kh-BD missile, which exceeds the capabilities and range of its predecessor, the Kh-101. With an anticipated range of up to 8,000 kilometers, the X-BD missile equips the Tu-160M with the ability to outmaneuver and deceive enemy air defense systems effectively. This capability enables strategic flexibility, exemplified by scenarios where bombers could launch missiles from distant locations like Caracas and safely reposition elsewhere, as demonstrated in previous missions to Venezuela.
Despite its primary base in Engels, Saratov region, the Tu-160M's operational range extends globally, facilitated by mid-air refueling capabilities. With a practical flight range of around 12,000 kilometers and the ability to remain airborne for over a day when refueled, these bombers can rapidly deploy to distant theaters of operation. This was showcased in 2010 when a Tu-160 recorded a range of 18,000 kilometers, highlighting its expeditionary potential in strategic contexts.
The Tupolev Tu-160 was showcased at the MAKS 2011 exhibition in Russia. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
