Bombardier russe - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Russian bomber aircraft, known as the "Bombardier russe" in French, is a strategic bomber that is capable of carrying out long-range missions and delivering a variety of weapons.
- 2. The most well-known Russian bomber aircraft is the Tupolev Tu-160, also known as the Blackjack in NATO countries. It is a supersonic heavy bomber that is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons.
- 3. The Tu-160 is the largest and heaviest combat aircraft in the world, with a maximum takeoff weight of over 275,000 kg.
- 4. The Tu-160 has a range of over 12,000 km without aerial refueling, making it capable of reaching targets deep inside enemy territory.
- 5. The Tu-160 is equipped with a variety of weapons, including cruise missiles, nuclear bombs, and conventional bombs. It can carry up to 12 Kh-55SM cruise missiles or 24 Kh-15P short-range nuclear missiles.
- 6. The Tu-160 is operated by the Russian Air Force and has been used in combat operations in Syria, where it has carried out precision strikes against targets belonging to terrorist groups.
- 7. The Tu-160 is capable of flying at speeds of over Mach 2, making it one of the fastest bombers in the world.
- 8. The Tu-160 is equipped with advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems, making it highly capable of evading enemy air defenses.
- 9. The Tu-160 has a crew of four, including a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, and weapons systems officer.
- 10. The Tu-160 is a key part of Russia's strategic nuclear deterrent and is expected to remain in service for several more decades.