The Tupolev Tu-160 (NATO reporting name Blackjack) is a supersonic, variable-geometry heavy bomber designed by the Soviet Union. Similar to, but more complex and with more payload capacity than the B-1 Lancer, it was the last Soviet strategic bomber design and the heaviest combat aircraft ever built. Introduced in 1987, production of the aircraft still continues, with 16 currently in service with the Russian Air Force. Its pilots call the Tu-160 the “White Swanâ€ÂÂÂ, due to the surprising maneuverability and antiflash white finish of the aircraft.
The Tu-160 bears a strong resemblance to the North American B-1A Lancer, although it is significantly larger, faster and with far greater range. The Blackjack has a blended wing profile and variable-geometry wings, with sweep selectable from 20° to 65°. Full-span slats are used on the leading edges, with double-slotted flaps on the trailing edges. The Tu-160 has a fly-by-wire control system.
The Blackjack is powered by four Kuznetsov NK-321 afterburning turbofan engines, the most powerful ever fitted to a combat aircraft. Unlike the B-1B, which abandoned the Mach 2+ requirement of the original B-1A, it retains variable intakes, and is capable of slightly over Mach 2 at altitude.
The Tu-160 is equipped with a probe and drogue in-flight refueling system for extended-range missions, although this is rarely used due to the massive internal fuel capacity of 130 tons, giving a flight endurance of roughly 15 hours.
Although the Tu-160 was designed for reduced detectability to both radar and infrared, it is not a stealth aircraft. Russian sources claim that it has a smaller radar cross section (RCS) than the B-1B, but this claim is not known to have been independently verified, and seems unlikely given the Blackjack's much more exposed engine inlets and broader wing gloves. Nevertheless, on 25 April 2006 Commander Igor Khvorov claimed that Tu-160s had managed to penetrate North American airspace undetected, leading to a NATO investigation.
The Blackjack has an attack radar ("Obzor-K", NATO reporting name Clam Pipe) in a slightly upturned dielectric radome, plus a separate "Sopka" terrain-following radar, which provides fully automatic terrain-following flight at low level. The Tu-160 has an electro-optical bombsight. Its electronic warfare suite includes comprehensive active and passive ECM systems.
The Tu-160 has a crew of four (pilot, co-pilot, weapons systems officer and defensive systems operator) in K-36DM ejection seats. The pilot has a fighter-style control stick, but the flight instruments are traditional "steam gauge" dials. A crew rest area, a toilet, and a galley are provided for long flights. There is no HUD, nor are CRT multi-function displays provided in the original aircraft; however, plans for modernization of all Tu-160s were announced in 2003. It will include new digital flight control system, and the ability to carry new weapon types, such as new non-nuclear long-range cruise missiles.
Weapons are carried in two internal bays, each capable of holding 20,000 kg (44,400 lb) of free-fall weapons, or a rotary launcher for nuclear missiles. Additional missiles may be carried externally, and the plane's maximum bombload is a respectable 45,000kg, which makes it the heaviest bomber in the world. No defensive weapons are provided, making it the first unarmed post-World War II Soviet bomber.
Modernization
In 2006, the Russian Airforce was expected to receive five modernized and another newly produced Tu-160 . The Russian Airforce will further receive five modernized Tu-160s each year , which means modernization of the fleet may be complete within three years if the schedule is kept up.
Changes announced as follows:
completely digital, multireserved, neutron and other nuclear emissions resistant avionics
full support of cruising and steering through GLONASS global satellite positioning system
updated version of NK-32 engines with increased reliability.
ability to operate new nuclear/non-nuclear GLONASS-navigated cruise missiles (Kh-555).
ability to handle missiles that launch military or civil satellites
ability to bear laser-guided bombs
advanced radar emissions absorbing covering
Army General Vladimir Mikhailov said in January 2007 that every three years the VVS would receive two new Tu-160s, and would start a new program to upgrade the avionics on its current fleet of 16 bombers.
General characteristics
Crew: 4 (pilot, co-pilot, bombardier, defensive systems operator)
Length: 54.1 m (177 ft 6 in)
Wingspan:
Spread (20° sweep): 55.70 m (189 ft 9 in)
Swept (65° sweep): 35.60 m (116 ft 10 in)
Height: 13.10 m (43 ft 0 in)
Wing area:
Spread: 400 m² (4,310 ft²)
Swept: 360 m² (3,875 ft²)
Empty weight: 110 t (242,000 lb)
Loaded weight: 267 t (590,000 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 275 t (606,000 lb)
Powerplant: 4Ã Kuznetsov NK-321 turbofans
Dry thrust: 137 kN (30,900 lbf) each
Thrust with afterburner: 245 kN (55,100 lbf) each
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 2.05[12] (2,220 km/h, 1,380 mph) at high altitude
Combat radius: 10,500 km
Maximum range: 17,400 km ()
Service ceiling: 15,000 m (49,200 ft)
Rate of climb: 4200 m/min ()
Wing loading: 743 kg/m² with wings fully swept (152 lb/ft²)
Thrust/weight: 0.37
Armament
2 internal bays for 40,000 kg (88,200 lb) of ordnance, options include:
2 internal rotary launchers each holding 6Ã Raduga Kh-55 cruise missiles (primary armament) or 12Ã Raduga Kh-15 short-range nuclear missiles
