Tupolev Tu-16

The Tupolev Tu-16 (NATO codename: Badger) was a twin-engine Soviet jet bomber first flown on 27 April, 1952. It was designed to replace Tupolev Tu-4 in theater bomber roles. The decision to start series production was made in December, 1952. It entered service with the Soviet Air Force in early 1954.

The Tu-16 could carry 3,000 kg of nuclear weapons to a range of 3,682 miles (5,900 km). Developed in the mid-1950s, the Tu-16KS version could carry two KS-1 (AS-1) antiship cruise missiles, with a combat radius of 1,800 km and missile range of 90 km. With time, other versions able to carry ever more advanced missiles appeared.

A versatile design, the Tu-16 appeared in numerous specialized variants. A civilian adaptation, the Tupolev Tu-104, saw passenger service with Aeroflot. Delivery of the Tu-16 to China began in 1958, and serial production of the plane was organised there (version N-6). The Tu-16 was also exported to Egypt, Indonesia, and Iraq. It continued to be used by the Air Forces and naval aviation of the Soviet Union and subsequently Russia until 1993.

Technical characteristics:

Length: 34.8 m Height: 10.36 m Wing Span: 33.0 m Service ceiling: 12,800 m Normal load: 3,000 kg Maximum load: 9,000 kg Maximum range: 7,200 km Takeoff weight: 76,000 kg normal, 79,000 kg maximum Fuel weight: 36,000 kg Empty weight: 37,200 kg Crew: 6 Defensive armament: 7 23-mm cannons

References: Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces,edited by Pavel Podvig, The MIT Press, 2001.

Tu-16 of the Egyptian Air Force

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Related Development	Tu-104 - Tu-124
Similar Aircraft
Designation Series	Tu-6 - Tu-12 - Tu-14 - Tu-16 - Tu-22/Tu-22M - Tu-24 - Tu-26
Related Lists	List of military aircraft of the Soviet Union and the CIS - List of bomber aircraft

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