Russian strategic bombers

• Strategic bombers Russia

This air base is located near the city of Engels in the Saratov region. It is home to the Russian strategic bombers. Currently, only the US and Russia have these types of aircraft, capable of operating at great distances and the use of nuclear weapons.

Strategic missile carrier - Tu-95MS. Tu-95 (a product "B" on the codification of NATO: Bear - "bear") - Soviet Russia and turboprop strategic bomber-rocket carrier, one of the fastest screw aircraft, became one of the symbols of the Cold War.

November 12, 1952 the prototype went 95-1 in the air. Ahead was a difficult test path in the sky. Alas, when the 17th test flight of the prototype crashed and 11 people on board were killed 4. But this did not stop the test, and the plane was soon adopted for.

Tu-95MS - the carrier of cruise missiles X-55 with a nuclear warhead. It is based on the Tu-142MK - long anti-submarine aircraft.

In continuation of the tradition started in the domestic aviation in the late 20's - early 30-ies of XX century, some planes are assigned their own names. Tu-160 is named in honor of the Heroes of the Soviet Union and the people who are directly related to the long-range aircraft, Tu-95MS - in honor of the city.

But the most interesting - flying.

Standing on the edge of the runway and watch the pass you take off and land Tu-95 and Tu-160, could be endless.

From the roar and vibration sneaks screws. I felt some childish delight from happening. Alas, this picture can not convey.

July 30, 2010 set a world record for a non-stop flight of aircraft in its class, while during this time the bombers flew about 30 thousand kilometers over the three oceans, and four times to refuel in the air.

Suddenly flew Mi-26T. When applying the rooms there was a mess, and the registration of RF-93 132 several months flown another Mi-26T helicopter with the hull number 99.

Let's go to the aircraft parking. About 95 th worth APA-100 - aerodrome mobile generating sets.

Then climb into the cockpit, "Bear." I just take pictures of the workplace, which is located near the entrance, and is stuffed with all sorts of interesting equipment. Following accompanying climbs and reproachful looks at me: "Alexander, what is it? That's why you just shoot it is something that can not shoot. " I remove frames and know that you can shoot anything, except the very workplace. In the photo - the flight engineer.

Dashboard FAC.

In general, of course, the interior of a military severely. However, domestic CB never bother over cab ergonomics.

And this odd field between the chairs - rubber blanket with wooden slats. You will not believe, but it is - a means of emergency evacuation of the airplane.

Tu-160 - a supersonic strategic bomber-bomber with variable sweep wing, designed in Tupolev in 1980.

16 Tu-160 are a part of the Russian Air Force.

IL-78M taxis for takeoff. The FAC chair - the commander of the air base, Colonel Dmitry Leonidovich Kostyunin.

This tanker can give 105.7 tons of fuel per flight.

TU-160 is the largest in the history of military aviation supersonic aircraft and aircraft with variable geometry wing, and the heaviest combat aircraft in the world, has the largest among bombers maximum take-off weight. Among the pilots was nicknamed the "White Swan".

"Bears" they rule on the rise - flights began.

In the program - cross-country flight and refueling from the tanker. Training dressing is dry and wet. When the first carriage only tanker is joined to, and at the second - a couple of tons of fuel is transferred. During training flight can be realized several approaches.

From the roar of NK-12 sneaks up to the spleen. It is said that American submariners, while at depth, hear the flies on them, "Bear."

Finally! Tu-160 taking off. Oh, what a handsome man.

The two compartments vnutrifyuzelyazhnyh can hold up to 40 tons of weapons, including several types of guided missiles, and corrected svobodnopadayuschih bombs and other weapons both nuclear and conventional warheads. The maximum takeoff weight - 275 tons.

the armament Tu-160 strategic cruise missiles X-55 (12 units on two multiposition turret type PU) designed to engage stationary targets with predetermined coordinates, the input of which is carried out before flying missiles memory bomber. Antiship missile variants have a radar homing system.

Landing. Very nice plane ...

The techniques meet the crew after the flight.

Engine Inspection NK-32 after a flight. Rate diameter. This engine is one of the largest and most powerful aircraft engine in the world. Thrust - 14,000 kgf in afterburner - 25000.

Prepare for takeoff.

The aircraft is charged and ready for the next flight.

Return tanker.

The Bears return to the den.

The engine NK-12, installed on the Tu-95, is still the most powerful turboprop engine in the world. By the way, no one is trying to create more powerful. Just do not.