Tupolev
Tu-160 NATO Reporting name: BlackJack Country
of origin. Russia This aircraft has a crew of four, two in front and two at rear. Pilots are in the front and the Navigator/Bombardier and electronics systems operator behind them. At
present the only operators of this aircraft are
Russia and Ukraine. The massive Tu-160 ('Blackjack' to NATO) is the heaviest and most
powerful bomber ever built and was developed as a direct counter to the Rockwell
B- 1A. But unfortunately the capability of this aircraft exceeds in almost every
aspect. The Tu-160 is much more stealthier (i.e.
lower RCS) than the B-1B plus has a greater payload.
But as far as onboard avionics are concerned, the
B-1B is way better. There are no MF digital displays
inside the cockpit and the tactical situation
display is probably made on the Helmet Mounted
Systems apart from the analogue devices.
Powerplants. Four 137.3kN (30,865lb) dry and 245.2kN
(55,115lb) with afterburning Samara/Trud NK-231
turbofans. Armament Max weapon load 40,000kg (88,185lb), comprising freefall bombs or ASMs in two internal bomb bays. One rotary launcher can be carried in each bay to carry six Kh-55MS (AS-1 5 'Kent') ALCMs or 12 Kh-15P (AS-16 'Kickback') SRAMs. No defensive armament. |
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