Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack

Role: Four-engined variable geometry long-range strategic bomber.

DESIGN FEATURES: Intended for high altitude standoff role carrying ALCMs and for defence suppression, using short-range attack missiles similar to US Air Force SRAMs, along path of bomber making low altitude penetration to attack primary targets with free-fall nuclear bombs or missiles; this implies capability of subsonic cruise/supersonic dash at almost Mach 2 at 18,300 m (60,000 ft) and transonic flight at low altitude. About 20 per cent longer than USAF B-1B, with greater unrefuelled combat radius and much higher max speed; low-mounted variable geometry wings, with very long and sharply swept fixed root panel; small diameter circular fuselage; horizontal tail surfaces mounted high on fin, upper portion of which is pivoted one-piece all-moving surface; large dorsal fin; engines mounted as widely separated pairs in underwing ducts, each with central horizontal V wedge intakes and jetpipes extending well beyond wing centre-section trailing-edge; manually selected outer wing sweepback 20 degrees , 35 degrees and 65 degrees ; when wings fully swept, inboard portion of each trailing-edge flap hinges upward and extends above wing as large fence; unswept tail fin; sweptback horizontal surfaces, with conical fairing for brake-chute aft of intersection.

LANDING GEAR: Twin nosewheels retract rearward; main gear comprises two bogies, each with three pairs of wheels; retraction very like that on Tu-154 airliner; as each leg pivots rearward, bogie rotates through 90 degrees around axis of centre pair of wheels, to lie parallel with retracted leg; gear retracts into thickest part of wing, between fuselage and inboard engine on each side; so track relatively small. Nosewheel tyres size 1080 x 400 mm; mainwheel tyres size 1260 x 425 mm.

POWER PLANT: Four Samara/Trud NK-321 turbofans, each 225 kN (50,580 lb st) with afterburning. In-flight refuelling probe retracts into top of nose.

ACCOMMODATION: Four crew members in pairs, on individual K-36 ejection seats; one window each side of flight deck can be moved inward and rearward for ventilation on ground; flying controls use fighter type sticks rather than yokes or wheels; crew enter via nosewheel bay.

AVIONICS: Radar in slightly upturned dielectric nosecone claimed to provide terrain following capability; fairing with flat glazed front panel, under forward fuselage, for video camera to provide visual assistance for weapon aiming; astro-inertial nav with map display; no head-up display or CRTs; active jamming self-defence system.

ARMAMENT: No guns. Internal stowage for up to 16,330 kg (36,000 lb) of free-fall bombs, short-range attack missiles or ALCMs; a rotary launcher can be installed in each of two 12.80 m (42 ft) long weapon bays, carrying 12 Kh-15P (AS-16 'Kickback') SRAMs or six Kh-55 (AS-15 'Kent') ALCMs.

Aircraft Measures:
Length: 177 ft.
Height: 42 ft.
Wingspan:
swept: 110 ft.
unswept: 182 ft., 9 in.
Loaded Weight: 606,260 lbs

Aircraft Performance:
Maximum Speed: 680 mph
Service Ceiling: 60,000 ft.
Range: 5,150 miles
Thrust:N/A

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