Tupolev Tu-22
Soviet supersonic heavy bomber / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Tupolev Tu-22 (Air Standardization Coordinating Committee name: Blinder) was the first supersonic bomber to enter production in the Soviet Union. Manufactured by Tupolev, the Tu-22 entered service with Long-Range Aviation and Soviet Naval Aviation in the 1960s.
Tu-22 | |
---|---|
Tu-22PD | |
Role | Medium bomber |
National origin | Soviet Union |
Manufacturer | Tupolev |
First flight | 7 September 1959 |
Introduction | 1962 |
Retired | Early 2000s (Libya) |
Status | Retired |
Primary users | Soviet Air Force Ukrainian Air Force Libyan Air Force Iraqi Air Force |
Produced | 1960–1969 |
Number built | 311 |
The aircraft was a disappointment, lacking both the speed and range that had been expected. It was also a difficult design to fly and maintain. It was produced in small numbers, especially compared to the Tupolev Tu-16 it was designed to replace. The aircraft was later adapted for other roles, notably as the Tu-22R reconnaissance aircraft and as a carrier for the long-range Kh-22 antiship missile.
Tu-22s were sold to other nations, including Libya and Iraq. The Tu-22 was one of the few Soviet jet bombers to see combat: Libyan Tu-22s were used against Tanzania and Chad, and Iraqi Tu-22s were used during the Iran–Iraq War.