Tupolev Tu-22 Blinder: Supersonic Bomber, Attack, Maritime Patrol and Electronic Countermeasures Aircraft

by Sergey Burdin, Alan Dawes

Overview

This historic Russian aircraft was first delivered to the Soviet Air Force at the height of the Cold War in 1961. It remained in service until replaced by the much modified Tu-22M Backfire which was introduced in the early 1970s and still remains in service. It was the first Soviet supersonic bomber and was used for reconnaissance and bombing, in the latter role carrying either conventional or nuclear bombs. The early aircraft had a range of 1,800 miles but later models had a much increased radius of action through the introduction of in-flight refueling.

This book looks at the design and development of the aircraft up to the introduction of the type M Backfire. Details of construction, weapon systems, photo-reconnaissance and jamming equipment are included to cover the several variant models. Operational use is explained and the text includes many firsthand accounts from Russian aircrew of the period. The book will be superbly illustrated by unique official photographs and manuals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526783417
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	10/21/2020
Series:	Pen and Sword Large Format Aviation Books
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Sergey Burdin's previous military experience in the Russian Air Force gives him the edge in that he has 'first-hand' experience of the aircraft and its operation. Additionally, Burdin has recently compiled a comprehensive record of accidents and crashes involving the Tu-22 during its service life. This includes full descriptions of the circumstances and causes of the accidents, with blame apportioned to the 'guilty party/parties' in each case. This is quite unusual for Russian military aircraft accidents.

Alan Dawes is a main contributor to the international aviation press and his Russian linguistic skills have enabled him to bring to light a great deal of recently published Soviet aviation history. He is a major contributor to Air Forces Monthly.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 6

Translator's Comment 7

Introduction 8

Tu-22 Variants 10

I Development History of the Tu-22 13

II Design of the Tu-22 45

III Tu-22 Weapons 87

IV Reconnaissance and ECM Variants of the Tu-22 103

V Introduction of the Tu-22 115

VI Combat Applications of the Tu-22R 141

VII Combat Applications of the Tu-22K 163

VIII Emergency Escape and Life-support Systems 193

IX Incidents and Write-offs Involving Long-range Air Force Tu-22s Between 1960 and 1989 205

X Training of Iraqi and Libyan Aircrews 242

Appendix 261

Index 269

Editorial Reviews

"I would highly recommend this book to those interested in the Tu-22 itself or Soviet aviation during the Cold War in general."

IPMS/USA

"This is one neat picture album..."

AMPS Indianapolis

"...pilots will love the mission descriptions for their 'in the cockpit' feel. Engineers will love the details of the aircraft and systems. This is your source book for Tupolev’s Tu–22."

Air & Space Power History

"A detailed examination of the plane and its multitude of variants filled with technical discussion that techy aviation enthusiasts will love."

Historical Miniatures Gaming Society