In an incident with a long-range Tu-22M3 bomber at the Shaikovka airfield near Kaluga, three pilots were killed. This is reported by TASS with reference to a source.
According to NTV, their catapults worked abnormally, the same information is confirmed by RIA Novosti sources. “According to preliminary data, there was an abnormal situation on the ground – an abnormal operation of the catapult. That is, this is not a plane crash, ”said the agency's interlocutor. According to representatives of emergency services, there are no casualties among local residents.
The fact that the Tu-22M3 crashed near Kaluga was reported earlier. Sources previously stated that the plane made an emergency landing, there were no weapons on board.
Tu-22M3 is a modification of the Soviet supersonic missile carrier-bomber Tu-22M. The aircraft is designed to engage ground and sea targets from high, medium and low altitudes. It entered service in 1989 and became the most massive long-range bomber. Tu-22M3 bombers took part in operations in Syria.
