Tu-160/NATO: BLACKJACK are modern Russian strategic bomber aircraft. Originally produced between 1980 to 1992, the production line is open again, and delivered a new aircraft in May 2000. 14 aircraft are now in service in Russia. Existing aircraft are undergoing major avionics upgrades and new cruise missile; the first upgraded aircraft was delivered in July 2006.[1]
There are similarities between the Tu-160 and U.S. B-1 Lancer. Both are supersonic, with intercontinental range with air refueling. Both have variable-geometry wings, and, while not a stealthy design like the B-2 Spirit, present a smaller radar cross-section, especially in the engines, than older bombers such as the B-52 or Tu-95/NATO:BEAR.[2] Note that the Tu-160, however, is considered, in arms control agreements, to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, but the B-1 and Tu-22M are not.
Weapons[edit]
The maximum payload is 80,000 pounds of bombs, missiles, and presumably penetration aids. It can carry missiles, not all of which may be in production, including:
- Kh-55MS/NATO: AS-15 KENT nuclear air launched cruise missile and Kh-555 conventionally armed version of the Kh-55[3]
- Kh-101 stealth cruise missile with terminal electro-optical guidance and Kh-102 nuclear version [4]
- Kh-15P/NATO: AS-16 Kickback [1]
- Kh-SD, a subsonic. shorter-ranged version of the Kh-101, with land and sea seekers[5]
- Kh-41 medium range supersonic sea-skimming anti-shipping missile, the air-launched version of the (NATO) SS-N-22
The KH-55 and Kh-55 are to the U.S. AGM-86 ALCM in nuclear and conventional versions, as the Kh-102 and Kh-101 is to the cancelled U.S. AGM-129 ACM stealthy cruise missile.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Tu-160 Blackjack Strategic Bomber, Russia", Air Force Technology
- ↑ Juniper, Andrew, Tupolev Tu160 Blackjack
- ↑ "Kh-555", Globalsecurity.org
- ↑ "Kh-101/Kh-102", Globalsecurity.org
- ↑ "Raduga Kh-65 / Kh-SD", Globalsecurity.org