WorldTekhno.com – Hello everyone, in this article we will discuss the ‘White Swan’ supersonic bomber which is one of Russia’s mainstay weapons. This aircraft has the official name Tupolev Tu-160 and the NATO code name Blackjack. It was designed by the Tupolev design bureau in the Soviet Union in the 1970s and is the largest and heaviest Mach 2+ supersonic military aircraft ever built. The aircraft also has wings that can change angles to increase agility and speed.
The ‘White Swan’ bomber first flew in 1981 and entered service in 1987. It was the last strategic bomber designed for the Soviet Union. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited 19 Tu-160 aircraft, more than half of all aircraft then. After lengthy negotiations, 11 Ukrainian Tu-160 aircraft were purchased by the Russian Federation while the rest were destroyed in the late 1990s under the Nunn–Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction agreement. Currently, the aircraft’s sole user is the Russian Aerospace Forces, which has 16 Tu-160 aircraft in service as of 2016.
Bomber ‘White Swan’ Makes Combat Debut in Syria
The ‘White Swan’ bomber made its combat debut in November 2015 during Russia’s military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, carrying out numerous airstrikes using Kh-101 airborne cruise missiles. These strikes were carried out from air bases in Russia, demonstrating the long range and precision capabilities of this aircraft. The aircraft is also capable of carrying up to 12 Kh-55SM nuclear cruise missiles or up to 24 Kh-15 conventional cruise missiles.
The ‘White Swan’ bomber also made various deployments abroad, including to distant countries such as Venezuela and South Africa. These deployments are intended to showcase Russia’s power and capabilities on the world stage, as well as to enhance military cooperation with its allies. The aircraft also makes frequent patrol flights near NATO borders, causing tension and protests from Western countries.
The ‘White Swan’ Bomber Gets a Modern Update
Since the early 2000s, the active ‘White Swan’ bomber fleet has seen several updates, mainly focusing on various electronic systems. The Tu-160M modernization program of existing models began with the first updated aircraft delivered in December 2014. Plans announced in 2015 called for the delivery of 50 new Tu-160M aircraft as well as an upgrade of 16 existing aircraft. In January 2022, the new Tu-160M aircraft made its first test flight, with two planned for delivery in 2022 out of 10 ordered.
A new version of the Tu-160M2, including glass cockpit, improved weapons, new engines and removal of obsolete equipment no longer relevant to the Tu-160’s mission. According to United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) CEO Yury Slyusar, the new aircraft has 80% of its systems and equipment upgraded. The original Tu-160 aircraft first flew in 1981 and entered service in 1987. The first flight of the deeply modified Tu-160 (designated Tu-160M2), built from spare aircraft occurred on 2 February 2020 and lasted 2 hours and 34 minutes. On November 3, 2020, a “basically improved strategic bomber” flew from Kazan, Russia, powered by the new NK-32-02 engine.
Conclusion
The ‘White Swan’ supersonic bomber is one of the most advanced and powerful fighter aircraft in the world. This aircraft has outstanding speed, range, agility and weapons carrying capabilities. This aircraft has also proven its ability in combat operations in Syria and demonstrated its presence in various regions of the world. The aircraft also continues to receive modern updates to improve performance and durability. The ‘White Swan’ bomber is a fearsome strategic weapon for Russia’s enemies.
Thus the article about the ‘White Swan’ supersonic bomber that scared the world. Hopefully useful and add to your insight. See you again in another interesting article.***BGPT
