Tu-22M3

The Tu-22M3 long-range supersonic missile-launching bomber is designed for the destruction of sea-surface and ground targets at a 2,200 km distance from base airfields using guided missiles and aerial bombs.

Airplanes from the Tu-22M series were advanced aircraft for their time; the engineering achievements made in their design process would be subsequently used by all of the USSR’s design bureaus in the development of both passenger and military airplanes (fourth-generation airplanes). For the first time in the USSR, the airplane was provided with a complex-yet-effective integrated set of avionics and communication equipment, both digital and analogue. Tu-22M series airplanes are made according to normal aerodynamic design with low-mounted variable sweep wings. The structure is made mainly from aluminum alloys, as well as high-strength and heat-proof steels, titanium, and magnesium alloys. The wing consists of a fixed section and movable outer panels. The sweep angle of the all-movable panels varies between 20° and 65°.

The wings’ high-lift devices includes slats, tree-section double-slotted flaps, three-section spoilers, and do not have ailerons. The spoilers are deflected differentially for roll control and synchronously when used as airbrakes. The stabilizer is all-moving. The airplane has a semi-monocoque-type fuselage and a tricycle retractable landing-gear system with nose gear. The power point comprises two NK-25 afterburning turbofan engines. TA-6A APU is mounted in dorsal fin fairing.

The first Tu-22M0 was constructed by mid-1969, and the first flight was operated on August 30 (captained by test pilot V. Borisov). The first Tu-22M3 test prototype completed its first flight on June 20, 1977. The Tu-22M3 has been produced since 1978 after successfully completing flight tests. The finalized Tu-22M3 entered service in March 1989.
 

In total, around 500 Tu-22M airplanes of various versions were produced by the Kazan Aircraft Production Association.

The first prototype Tu-22M3 made its maiden flight in 1977. Since 1978, the aircraft has been put into serial production. In its final form, the Tu-22M3 was put into service in 1989.