Tu-160M takes off from Kazan
The first production-standard Tu-160M bomber, pictured during its first flight on 12 January. (Photo: Rostec)
The first factory-produced Tu-160M strategic bomber for the Russian Air Force took off from the airfield adjacent to the Kazan Aviation Plant on 12 January, according to Rostec.
In addition to an upgrade of the 16-aircraft Tu-160 fleet, up to 50 Tu-160M2s are planned for eventual production.
‘The 30-minute flight was at an altitude of 600 metres,’ Rostec noted in a statement. ‘The crew of Tupolev test pilots performed the required manouevres to check the aircraft stability and control.’
Compared to the baseline Soviet-era Tu-160, the upgraded Tu-160M features new avionics and control systems as well as a glass cockpit.
Upgraded and more efficient NK-32-02 engines will enable the Tu-160M and Tu-160M2 to extend their maximum range without refuelling from 14,000km to 15,000km.
Shephard Defence Insight forecasts that the first production-standard upgraded Tu-160Ms will be delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2023 at the earliest.
‘The fundamental importance of today's event is that the new aircraft has been completely rebuilt from scratch,’ Yuri Slyusar, CEO of Tupolev parent company United Aircraft Corporation, said on 12 January. ‘Its systems and equipment have been upgraded by up to 80 per cent.’
Widely regarded as the world’s largest bomber, the Tu-160M has two weapon bays that have a capacity of 45,000kg of ordnance. Since it has been in service with Russia since 2013, it is most likely the main payload will be 12 Raduga Kh-101/102 air-launched cruise missiles.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
-
Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read
Autonomous advantage: Unlocking the potential of VTOL UAS in the battlefield resupply role
-
Update: India’s Rafale-M deal postponed
New Delhi had been gearing up to sign a Navy Rafale deal as talks swirled around a potential assembly line in Nagpur.