Russian occupiers regularly use aircraft to shell Ukrainian cities. One of these is the strategic bomber Tu-160.
What is known about the Tu-160 missile-carrying bomber, its features, what missiles it carries, estimated price and technical specifications — further in the material of ICTV Facts.
Tu-160 technical characteristics
Tu-160 is a Soviet strategic bomber-missile carrier with variable wing geometry.
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Classified as a supersonic bomber, it is considered the most powerful combat aircraft in the world.
At the moment, such missile-carrying bombers are in service with the Russian Federation, although after the collapse of the USSR, part of the Tu-160 fleet was also owned by Ukraine.
The Tu-160 made its first flight on December 18, 1981.
It can reach speeds of up to 2,200 km/h — at altitude, up to 1,030 km/h – near the ground. Cruising speed – 850 km/h.
The maximum flight range of the Tu-160 without refueling is 13,950 km, practical – up to 12,300 km.
Flight duration – up to 25 hours.
What missiles does the Tu-160
The armament used on the Tu-160 is the Kh-55 SM strategic cruise missiles.
They are designed to hit stationary targets with predetermined programmed coordinates, which are entered into the missile's memory before the bomber takes off.
How many missiles does the Tu-160 launch
Missiles are placed on two MKU-6-5U drum launchers, six each in two cargo compartments of the aircraft.
In case of hitting targets at shorter ranges, aeroballistic X-15 C — 24 missiles, 12 on each MCU.
After special re-equipment, the aircraft can be equipped, in particular, with free-fall bombs up to 40 thousand kg of various calibers, including nuclear, disposable cluster bombs, sea mines and other weapons.
Tu-160 weapons
Such aircraft are designed to destroy the most important targets with nuclear and conventional weapons. They are also used when shelling remote military-geographical areas and deep rear areas of continental military operations.
Tu-160 price
It is worth noting that the price of the Tu-160, according to the most conservative estimates, is about $250 million.
According to American analysts, the cost of the entire life cycle of an aircraft exceeds its price at least three times, or even five times.
Tu-160 in Russia
One of the largest known air bases in Russia, where Tu-160 strategic bombers are based, is Engels-2.
This strategic airbase is located near Saratov.
Russian media reported that as of 2009 there were at least 16 Tu-160s there.
The Russians used these bombers, for example, against Syria in 2015.
Tu-160 in service with Ukraine
The first group of two Tu-160s entered the 184th Guards Poltava-Berlin Red Banner VBAP, based in Priluki, Chernihiv region, on April 25, 1987.
One of these aircraft belonged to the experimental series, the second was the main one in the military series.
By 1991, there were 19 Tu-160 aircraft at the Ukrainian air base in Priluki (Chernihiv region), which passed to the Ukrainian Air Force after the collapse of the USSR.
However, strategic aviation did not correspond to the military doctrine of Ukraine, and therefore in 1999, the Ukrainian authorities gave eight Tu-160s to the Russians “for gas”, nine more were disposed of, and one remained in Poltava in the Museum of Long-Range Aviation.
The last complete Ukrainian strategic bomber Tu-160. Photo: UNIAN
