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 upgraded Tu-160 strategic bomber for the Russian Air Force made its first flight on 12 January.
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
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Saab partners with Helsing to get AI on Gripen E aircraft]()
Saab partners with Helsing to get AI on Gripen E aircraft
Titled ‘Project Beyond’ the AI systems provided by the partnership will work to enhance the Gripen E fighter’s capabilities, automating other tasks and allowing fighter pilots to focus on accomplishing their missions.
-
![“We need GCAP” to face evolving threats says RAF chief]()
“We need GCAP” to face evolving threats says RAF chief
The UK Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) chief of the air staff discussed the current state of the RAF and its need to be “match fit” for a changing warfare threat.
-
![UAE receives first additional A330 MRTT]()
UAE receives first additional A330 MRTT
The arrival of this aircraft boosts the UAE’s fleet of tankers up to four, following its order for an additional two aircraft in 2021.
-
![Gray Eagle UAS makes first ship-to-shore journey]()
Gray Eagle UAS makes first ship-to-shore journey
The Gray Eagle short take-off and landing (STOL) UAS has a different engine, wings, control surfaces and landing gear to earlier Gray Eagles, and is a production variant of the demonstrator Mojave UAS.
-
![Collins Aerospace wins $19 million contract to upgrade RAF CH-47 Chinooks]()
Collins Aerospace wins $19 million contract to upgrade RAF CH-47 Chinooks
The Chinook cockpit upgrade will enhance the UK RAF’s Chinooks’ collaboration with the US and improve operational effectiveness and safety, Collins have claimed.
