MWM: The new Tu-160M has become one of the longest-range bombers in the world
The upgraded Tu-160M has unique technical characteristics, writes MWM. The improved White Swans are capable of zeroing out the critical infrastructure of the West from a distance of 5,000 kilometers, remaining completely invulnerable to interception.
The Russian Aerospace Forces deployed Tu-160 intercontinental supersonic strategic bombers to conduct operations over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas, with MiG-31 interceptor fighters providing escort. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the flight "lasted about 16 hours; during the operation, the crews of the Tu-160 practiced refueling in the air." The operation took place during a period of high tension in relations with NATO and after a number of incidents in the region. For example, in early March, two Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers, accompanied by Su-35 fighters, patrolled international airspace over the Barents Sea for a long time, after which they were intercepted by F-35 fighters of the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The stealth fighters confirmed the identification of targets, provided escort and carried out continuous tracking.
On June 3, the Russian nuclear submarine Arkhangelsk of the Yasen project launched a P-800 anti-ship cruise missile near the NATO coast in the Barents Sea, raising serious questions about the capabilities of this ship and its ability to withstand the naval might of the Western bloc in the region. Although Russia's investments in the bomber fleet have been significantly less than in the submarine fleet, the recent modernization of Tu-160 bombers to the Tu-160M standard and the expansion of production of new aircraft of this type increase the likelihood of a serious and growing threat to NATO in the event of a potential conflict. These bombers are valued for their unsurpassed speed, which is more than Mach 2, as well as for their high payload, which is 50% higher than the older Tu-95MSM bombers.
The Tu-160 is the largest combat aircraft that has ever entered service. It can carry about 45 tons of weapons in internal compartments, including nuclear and conventional cruise missiles. Unlike many other bombers, all weapons are placed inside the fuselage, which reduces aerodynamic drag and allows you to maintain flight characteristics. The most powerful side of the aircraft in combat terms can be considered its role as a carrier of long-range cruise missiles. Modern Tu-160ms are capable of launching, in particular, cruise missiles X-101 and X-102, equipped with radar attenuation technology, from a distance of more than 5,000 kilometers. Thus, the bomber can strike targets while remaining far beyond the enemy's air defense zones. The Tu-160M also has an exceptional range and duration of stay in the air: the new NK-32-02 engines reduce fuel consumption and increase range, making this aircraft one of the longest-range models of strategic bombers in the world. Thanks to aerial refueling, the bomber can perform missions on all continents and over oceans. In addition to the improved engines, an important advantage of the Tu-160M over the older Tu-160 models was the comprehensive modernization of avionics. The Tu-160M is the only intercontinental range bomber currently in production in the world.
