Tupolev Tu-160 – The World’s Largest Bomber
The Tupolev Tu-160, also known as the “White Swan,” is a supersonic strategic bomber designed and manufactured by the Soviet Union’s Tupolev design bureau. It is currently operated by the Russian Air Force.
The Tu-160 is the largest and heaviest combat aircraft in the world. It has a length of 54 meters (177 feet) and a wingspan of 55 meters (182 feet). Its maximum takeoff weight is 275 tons, and it can carry a payload of up to 40 tons.
The Tu-160 is powered by four Kuznetsov NK-32 afterburning turbofan engines, which allow it to reach speeds of up to Mach 2.05 (about 2,500 kilometers per hour or 1,550 miles per hour) at high altitude.
The aircraft’s primary mission is to deliver nuclear and conventional weapons to targets deep inside enemy territory. It can carry a wide range of weapons, including cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and free-fall bombs. Its long-range capabilities allow it to strike targets anywhere in the world.
The Tu-160 has been in service with the Russian Air Force since 1987. It underwent a major modernization program in the early 2000s, which included the installation of new avionics, navigation systems, and engines. In 2015, the Russian Air Force began production of an updated version of the Tu-160, known as the Tu-160M2.
Overall, the Tupolev Tu-160 is an impressive and powerful aircraft that remains a key element of Russia’s strategic nuclear deterrent.
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