Tupolev Tu-22

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Tupolev Tu-22
Tu-22 at Engels air base in Russia.
Role Bomber
National origin USSR
Manufacturer Tupolev.
First flight 1959
Introduction 1962
Status Retired
Primary user Soviet Air Force.
Number built 313

The Tupolev Tu-22 is a former Soviet bomber of the Cold War. It is a twin-turbojets built entirely of metal with a swept-wing. It can carry about 6,000 kg of bombs in internal bay. It was used only by the USSR, Libya, and Iraq.[1] The bomber could carry 3 crew members. NATO called the Tu 22 as Blinder. Tupolev Tu-22M is a modernized variant.

Operational uses[change | change source]

Soviets forces used some Tu-22 as high-speed reconnaissance planes.[2]

Iraq[3] used there bombers in Iran-Iraq War.

Libyan air force used the Tupolev Tu-22 in september 1987[4] for bombing N'Djamena and the French infantry. The bomber was shoot down by a MIM-23 Hawk's missile of the Armée de l'Air.

Bibliography[change | change source]

  • Frawley, Gerard, The international directory of military aircraft 2002/2003 . London: Aerospace Publication, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.
  • Gaillard, Pierre, Avions et hélicoptères militaires d'aujourd'hui Paris, France : Larivière éditions, 1999. ISBN 2-907051-24-5.

References[change | change source]

  1. http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/tu-22/tu-22.htm
  2. http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=316
  3. http://www.airforceworld.com/bomber/eng/tu22-supersonic-bomber-1.htm
  4. (French) http://www.avionslegendaires.net/avion-militaire/tupolev-tu-22-blinder/