Tu-22M3
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1983
First Flight : June 20, 1977
Total Production : 500
The Tupolev Tu-22M3, Backfire-C NATO-codename, is a swing-wing, medium range bomber designed to strike targets in Western Europe and Asia using both nuclear and conventional weapons. It has been designed to penetrate enemy air defense at low altitude and supersonic speed making him more survivable than previous strike aircraft. In addition to the strike role, the Tu-22M3 can carry out reconnaissance and maritime patrol missions.
The nuclear-capable Tu-22M3 bomber features in-flight refueling capability for extended range missions which has been assumed as a capability for long range strikes against the United States of America. The total number of Tu22Ms ever owned by Russia was less than 300 aircraft due to treaties between the former Soviet Union and the United States.
Model | Status | Year | Produced |
---|---|---|---|
Tu-22M3 | Active | 1983 | 500 |
Tu-22M3M | Active | 2021 | ? |
Tu-22M3
Group : Strategic Bombers
Status : Active
Also Known As : Backfire-C
Origin : Russia
Contractor : PSC Tupolev
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1983
First Flight : June 20, 1977
Total Production : 500
The Tu-22M3 entered service with the Soviet Union's Air Force in 1983. It is the last derivative of the proven Tu-22M medium range bomber. Compared to its predecessors it has an enhanced aerodynamic design and improved overall performance. The aircraft is powered by two NK-25 turbofan engines each rated at 55,115-lb of thrust. As of 2008, the Russian Air Force was operating 141 aircraft of this type.
Operators
Specifications
Notes | ||
---|---|---|
Crew | 4 | |
Number of Engines | 2 | |
Dimensions | ||
Length | 42.5 meter | |
Main Gun Caliber | 23 millimeter | |
Wingspan | 34 meter | |
Mass | ||
Max Takeoff Thrust | 110,230 pound | |
Max Takeoff Weight | 126 ton | |
Payload | 24,000 kilogram | |
Performance | ||
Ceiling | 14,000 meter | |
Max Range | 6,800 kilometer | |
Speed | ||
Cruise Speed | 1,008 kph | |
Top Speed at High Altitude | 2,000 kph |
Tu-22M3M
Group : Strategic Bombers
Status : Active
Also Known As : Backfire-D, Tu-22M5
Origin : Russia
Contractor : PSC Tupolev
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2021
First Flight : December 28, 2018
Total Production : ?
The Tu-22M3M, Tu-22M5 and Backfire-D NATO designation?, is an advanced upgraded version of the Tu-22M3 bomber fitted with a wider array of more sophisticated weapons. As of early 2012, the Russian Air Force plans call for upgrading up to 30 Tu-22M3 aircraft to the Tu-22M5 standard by 2020. The Tu-22M3M bomber is an interim solution for the Russian Air Force until the fielding of the PAK DA bomber in the 2025-2030 timeframe. The upgraded bomber externally remains the same but it is fitted with advanced avionics, sensors and targeting systems to carry out both tactical and strategic attack missions. The Russian Air Force put the first Tu-22M3M bomber in active duty in early February 2012. The new bomber's attack system is linked to the Russian GLONASS global satellite navigation system to allow precision strikes with conventional bombs and missiles.
Operators
Country | Status | State | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Active | 22/30 |
Specifications
Notes | ||
---|---|---|
Crew | 4 | |
Number of Engines | 2 | |
Dimensions | ||
Length | 42.5 meter | |
Main Gun Caliber | 23 millimeter | |
Wingspan | 34 meter | |
Mass | ||
Max Takeoff Thrust | 110,000 pound | |
Max Takeoff Weight | 126 ton | |
Payload | 24,000 kilogram | |
Performance | ||
Ceiling | 14,000 meter | |
Max Range | 6,800 kilometer | |
Speed | ||
Cruise Speed | 1,008 kph | |
Top Speed at High Altitude | 2,628 kph |
Gear
Bombs | ||
---|---|---|
FAB-250 | ||
FAB-500 | ||
KAB-1500KR | ||
KAB-1500LG-F-E | ||
KAB-500KR | ||
KAB-500L | ||
KAB-500OD | ||
KAB-500S-E | ||
OFAB-250-270 | ||
Cruise Missiles | ||
Kh-101 | 4 | |
Kh-102 | 4 | |
Kh-32 | 3 | |
Kh-555 | ||
Medium Caliber Cannons | ||
GSh-23L | 1 | |
Optronic Systems | ||
SVP-24 | 1 |
News

An overnight operation added to 50 group strikes conducted throughout the week, the Defense Ministry reported Russia confirms ‘massive barrage’ on targets in Ukraine The

Its capacity will increase to 1,700 kilos MOSCOW, September 16. /TASS/. Missiles for Tu-22M3 long-range supersonic bombers have been updated to receive a new payload with
According to the United Aircraft Corporation press office, the plane underwent the necessary performance upgrades MOSCOW, December 30.
During a special military operation, Russian cruise missiles, which are called "aircraft carrier killers", were used for precision strikes.
Russia is creating a new generation of hypersonic missiles for various carriers - from aircraft, ships, submarines, from ground installations, Russian Deputy Prime Minister
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia is developing the latest Kh-95 long-range hypersonic airborne missile, Colonel General Vladimir Zarudnitsky, the chief of the Military Academy of
Russia can eliminate the shortage of carriers of "Daggers" with modernized Su-34. According to a number of data, Russian designers are seriously working on the issue of
Russia’s Aerospace Forces are undergoing a major overhaul, looking forward to welcome a 5th generation subsonic bomber into its fleet as well as a long-range bomber drone,
The modernisation is aimed at prolonging the service of the Tu-22M3 modification, while at the same time upgrading its capabilities.
The advanced Sukhoi Su-57 multipurpose jet may be armed with a hypersonic missile similar to the Kinzhal.
ZHUHAI (China) (Sputnik) - Russia has finished the development and started mass production of electronic warfare systems for cruise missiles in service with the Russian armed
The Tu-22M3M, a modification of the Russian supersonic strike bomber, is a new modern plane inside a classic shell, the manufacturer says.
Photo Gallery
August 2023

Russian Air Force Tu-22M3 bombers
December 2021

Russian Air Force Tu-22M3 bomber carrying Kh-22 missile
Notes
State Latest Known holdings/Original Procurement
Com - Date of Commissioning
Decom - Date of Decommissioning
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