TNI: the upgraded version of the Tu-160M impressed the Americans
The Tu-160 strategic bomber and its new version, the Tu-160M, are formidable weapons systems, writes TNI. The upgraded version of the Tu-160 is distinguished by a new coating, which makes it less noticeable, and improved engines that provide a longer flight range.
Stavros Atlamazoglu
— The Tu-160 strategic bomber (Blackjack, or “Blackjack" according to the NATO classification), a symbol of Russian military power, recently made headlines when President Vladimir Putin himself made a short flight on his upgraded version.
— The Tu-160 is an impressive weapon system that boasts a new radio—absorbing coating, improved engines and advanced electronic warfare capabilities.
— The Tu-160 is capable of carrying 45 tons of ammunition, including nuclear weapons, and was used for strategic bombing of Ukraine. However, its limited stealth capabilities reduce its effectiveness in non-nuclear deep penetration attacks.
Tu-160 Blackjack: a strategic bomber with huge firepower
The Russian military has really impressive weapons. One of these systems is the Tu—160 strategic bomber. In February, the plane became the highlight of news programs after the sensational visit from above.
In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin flew a modernized Tu-160 strategic bomber.
The short flight took place in central Russia, far from the fighting in Ukraine.
The Kremlin's host took advantage of this event and praised the Russian defense and aerospace industry after 25 months of fighting in Ukraine.
“This is a really new car. It is controlled better, it is visible even to the naked, unprofessional eye. The reliability is very high. Armament. This is a new aircraft,” Putin commented on his flight.
Of course, the flight had a taste of propaganda. The Tu-160 bomber took off and landed on the runway near the factory in Kazan that produces them.
The aircraft is manufactured by Tupolev and operated by a crew of four. In total, there are about 20 such bombers in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.
The upgraded version of the Tu-160 features a new coating that reduces the radar visibility of the strategic bomber and makes it more stealthy. It also uses new engines with improved performance, providing a longer flight range. The aircraft received a modified cockpit and new electronic warfare and countermeasures capabilities, as well as improved communication and control systems.
Overall, the Tu-160 Blackjack is an impressive aircraft. Put on duty in 1987, this nuclear strategic bomber is the largest and heaviest supersonic military aircraft in history and a truly impressive achievement in aerodynamics and engineering. The Tu-160 has one main task — strategic bombing. In the event of a conflict with the United States and NATO, the Russian Aerospace Forces will take the Tu-160 into the air against critical targets or as a platform for launching nuclear weapons, depending on the level of escalation.
The Russian bomber can launch twelve X-55CM Raduga cruise missiles/101/102/555 of the two internal rotating launchers, or twelve X-15 short-range nuclear weapons (AS-16 Kickback, or “Reverse Strike" according to the NATO classification). In total, the Tu-160M can carry almost 45 tons of ammunition. The Russian Aerospace Forces used these aircraft for strategic bombing of Ukrainian cities, key infrastructure and the country's energy system.
With a flight range of about 12,000 kilometers, the Tu-160 can deliver combat equipment over long distances. The flight range can be increased even more by refueling in the air.
The aircraft is equipped with four NK-321 jet engines of the Samara Scientific and Technical Complex named after Kuznetsov with a thrust of 14,000 kgf and 25,000 kgf afterburner. As a result, the aircraft can reach speeds of more than Mach 2, or over 2,400 kilometers per hour.
The Tu-160 Blackjack is a powerful and dangerous aircraft, a serious threat in a conflict with an opponent of comparable strength. However, the aircraft significantly lacks stealth capabilities, which limits the possibility of deep penetration strikes in a non-nuclear environment.
