Tupolev Tu-16 Badger – Photos & Video

Fotogalleri av en Tupolev Tu-16 grävling, The Tupolev Tu-16 (NATO reporting name: Badger) was a twin-engined jet strategic bomber used by the Soviet Union. It has flown for more than 60 years, and the Chinese licence-built Xian H-6 remains in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.

Källkod: Tupolev Tu-16 Badger på Wiki

The Tupolev Tu-16 Badger was a twin-engine jet strategic bomber developed by the Soviet Union in the early 1950s. It served for more than 50 years in various roles, such as nuclear strike, maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The Tu-16 was also exported to several Soviet allies, such as Egypt, Iraq, and Indonesia. The Tu-16 had a swept wing and two powerful Mikulin AM-3 turbojets, giving it a maximum speed of 960 km/h and a range of 4,800 km. It could carry up to 9,000 kg of bombs or missiles, including nuclear weapons.
The Tu-16 was the first Soviet bomber to carry cruise missiles, such as the AS-1 Kennel and the AS-3 Kangaroo. The Tu-16 was also adapted to carry aerial refueling pods and to act as a tanker for other aircraft. The Tu-16 was produced in three plants in the Soviet Union, with a total of 1,509 aircraft built from 1952 to 1962. The Chinese license-built version, the Xian H-6, is still in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.