Russian strategic bombers Tu-95 has undergone a profound modernization, which allowed to improve its performance. Changes of the aircraft evaluated in the American edition The National Interest.
The improved Tu-95МСМ, according to the statements of the head of “United aircraft Corporation” (UAC) Yuri Slyusar, needs to climb into the sky until the end of August. The new version of the old-timer, as the newspaper notes, will have much more features. So, the aircraft received a new radar, avionics and electronic jamming. It was also reinforced by the very wing that had allowed the return of the Tu-95 four of the eight pylons missiles: now he is arming strategic cruise missiles X-101 and X-102. Moreover, modernization has affected the engines and propellers of the bomber.
At the same time, the Tu-95МСМ kept the “fantastic range”, which, according to The National Interest, with the possibility to refuel in air in fact is limited only by the capabilities of the crew. Thanks to this, the predecessors of the upgraded version often flew along the Maritime borders of the United States. Now, the American military should prepare for the fact that in their field of vision will soon begin to get a improved Tu-95.
At the end of last year, Chinese experts said that the Tu-95 of Russian production in its capabilities lag behind the modern weapons of the United States. In particular, they noted that in contrast to the American B-2 Spirit, Tu-95 do not use stealth technology, so it will be visible for the air defense of the potential enemy.