| Technical data | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tu-22M1 | Tu-22M0 |
| Function | bomber | |
| Year | 1969 | 1971 |
| Crew | 4 | |
| Engines (2) | ||
| Type | NK-144 | NK-22 |
| Thrust (each, kg) | 20.000 | 22.000 |
| Size (m) | ||
| Length | 42.46 | |
| Height | 11.08 | |
| Wingspan | 34.3/23.3 | |
| Wing sweep angle | 20°, 30°, 50°, 60° | |
| Wing area | 165m2 | |
| Weights (kg) and loads | ||
| Empty | ? | ? |
| Loaded | 121000 | 122000 |
| Wing Load (kg/m2) | ||
| Thrust to Weight |
||
| Speed (km/h) | ||
| Max. (at altitude) | 1530 | 1660 |
| Ceiling | 13300m | |
| Ferry Range (km) | 4140 | 5000 |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | None | GSh-23L |
| Bombs | 12000kg | |
| Missiles | up to 3 supersonic "Kitchen" cruise missiles | |
Tu-22M0, Tu-22M1 (Tu-26), A.N.Tupolev 'Backfire'
 |
Serious revision of unsatisfactory Tu-22 bomber, but practically an all-new aircraft. Early production Tu-22M0 was first flown on October 30, 1969 and was built in 1969- 1971. Nine built. It differed from later variants by ECM/parachute fairing replacing the rear gun turret. Later, when requirement of grass field operation capacity was dropped, parachute was deleted.
In-air refueling capable Tu-22M1 batch also included 9 aircraft. It had an in-air refueling probe and could perform much longer missions with higher payload - if air tanker is available.
Both types serve with naval aviation.
During arms reduction talks, the US claimed that the Tu-26 was an all-new aircraft and a strategic bomber; the USSR said that the 'Backfire' was a development of the 'Blinder' and had no strategic capability. As a compromise, the refueling equipment was removed - but still supplied with the aircraft 'spares kit' and could be installed within few hours on any later model. Same treaty limited production of Tu-22M by 30 airframes/year.
It is a big 'swing-wing' bomber, used as cruise missile carrier and naval patrol aircraft. Despite its size, Backfire has D-shaped or rectangular (C version) wing root intakes, just like a fighter.
 |
It is almost certain that 'Backfire' is an entirely new design, but still lacks the range for a strategic role - A.N.Tupolev now claims a radius of action of only 2200km. Its strike capability imposes quite a serious threat for naval targets... here comes a reason of US over-reaction. Well, keep you fleet where it belongs - there will be no threat from a 'Backfire'!
The USSR designated it Tu-22M, allegedly for budgetary reasons.
