Tu-160 (bomber): Difference between revisions
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (New page: {{subpages}} '''Tu-160'''/NATO: BLACKJACK are modern Russian strategic bombers. Originally produced between 1980 to 1992, the production line is open again, and delivered a new aircraf...) |
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (missile updates) |
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==Weapons== | ==Weapons== | ||
The maximum payload is 80,000 pounds of bombs, missiles, and presumably penetration aids. | The maximum payload is 80,000 pounds of bombs, missiles, and presumably penetration aids. It can carry missiles, not all of which may be in production, including: | ||
*[[Kh-55MS]]/NATO: [[AS-15 KENT]] nuclear air launched cruise missile and [[Kh-555]] conventionally armed version of the Kh-55<ref name=GS-Kh555>{{citation | |||
| url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/kh-555.htm | |||
| title = Kh-555 | |||
| journal = Globalsecurity.org}} </ref> | |||
*[[Kh-101]] stealth cruise missile with terminal electro-optical guidance and [[Kh-102]] nuclear version <ref name=GS-Kh-101>{{citation | |||
| url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/kh-101.htm | |||
| title = Kh-101/Kh-102 | |||
| journal = Globalsecurity.org}} </ref> | |||
*[[Kh-15P]]/NATO: [[AS-16 Kickback]] <ref name=AFT-TU-160 /> | |||
*[[Kh-SD]], a subsonic. shorter-ranged version of the Kh-101, with land and sea seekers<ref name=GS-Kh-SD>{{citation | |||
| url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/kh-65.htm | |||
| title = Raduga Kh-65 / Kh-SD | |||
| journal = Globalsecurity.org}} </ref> | |||
*[[Kh-41]] medium range supersonic sea-skimming [[anti-shipping missile]], the air-launched version of the (NATO) [[SS-N-22]] | |||
The KH-55 and Kh-55 are to the U.S. [[AGM-86 ALCM]] in nuclear and conventional versions, as the Kh-102 and Kh-101 is to the cancelled U.S. [[AGM-129 ACM]] stealthy cruise missile. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} |
Revision as of 16:57, 1 August 2008
Tu-160/NATO: BLACKJACK are modern Russian strategic bombers. Originally produced between 1980 to 1992, the production line is open again, and delivered a new aircraft in May 2000. 14 aircraft are now in service in Russia. Existing aircraft are undergoing major avionics upgrades and new cruise missile; the first upgraded aircraft was delivered in July 2006.[1]
There are similarities between the Tu-160 and U.S. B-1 Lancer. Both are supersonic, with intercontinental range with air refueling. Both have variable-geometry wings, and, while not a stealthy design like the B-2 Spirit, present a smaller radar cross-section, especially in the engines, than older bombers such as the B-52 or Tu-95/NATO:BEAR.[2]
Weapons
The maximum payload is 80,000 pounds of bombs, missiles, and presumably penetration aids. It can carry missiles, not all of which may be in production, including:
- Kh-55MS/NATO: AS-15 KENT nuclear air launched cruise missile and Kh-555 conventionally armed version of the Kh-55[3]
- Kh-101 stealth cruise missile with terminal electro-optical guidance and Kh-102 nuclear version [4]
- Kh-15P/NATO: AS-16 Kickback [1]
- Kh-SD, a subsonic. shorter-ranged version of the Kh-101, with land and sea seekers[5]
- Kh-41 medium range supersonic sea-skimming anti-shipping missile, the air-launched version of the (NATO) SS-N-22
The KH-55 and Kh-55 are to the U.S. AGM-86 ALCM in nuclear and conventional versions, as the Kh-102 and Kh-101 is to the cancelled U.S. AGM-129 ACM stealthy cruise missile.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Tu-160 Blackjack Strategic Bomber, Russia", Air Force Technology
- ↑ Juniper, Andrew, Tupolev Tu160 Blackjack
- ↑ "Kh-555", Globalsecurity.org
- ↑ "Kh-101/Kh-102", Globalsecurity.org
- ↑ "Raduga Kh-65 / Kh-SD", Globalsecurity.org