Tupolev Tu-22 Blinder

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-22

The Tupolev Tu-22 (NATO reporting name: Blinder) was the first supersonic bomber
to enter production in the Soviet Union. Manufactured by Tupolev, the Tu-22
entered service with the Soviet military in the 1960s. The last examples were
retired during the 1990s. Produced in comparatively small numbers, the aircraft
was a disappointment, lacking the intercontinental range that had been expected.
Later in their service life, Tu-22s were used as launch platforms for the Soviet
Kh-22 standoff missile, and as reconnaissance aircraft. Tu-22s were sold to
other nations, including Libya and Iraq. The Tu-22 was one of the few Soviet
bombers to see combat; Libyan Tu-22s were used against Tanzania and Chad, and
Iraqi Tu-22s were used during the Iran–Iraq War.

Role Medium bomber
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 7 September 1959
Introduction 1962
Retired 1998 (Russia)
Primary users Soviet Air Force
Ukrainian Air Force
Libyan Air Force
Iraqi Air Force
Produced 1960–1969
Number built 311
Developed into Tupolev Tu-22M

The Tu-22 entered service in 1962, but it experienced considerable problems,
resulting in widespread unserviceability and several crashes. Amongst its many
faults was a tendency for skin aerodynamic heating at supersonic speed,
distorting the control rods and causing poor handling. The landing speed was 100
km/h (62 mph) greater than previous bombers and the Tu-22 had a tendency to
pitch up and strike its tail on landing, though this problem was eventually
resolved with the addition of electronic stabilization aids. Even after some of
its problems had been resolved, the 'Blinder' was never easy to fly, and it was
maintenance-intensive. Among its unpleasant characteristics was a wing design
that allowed rudder reversal at high deflections. When the stick had been
neutralized following such an event, the deformation of the wing did not
necessarily disappear but could persist and result in an almost uncontrollable
aircraft.

The only Soviet combat use of the Tu-22 occurred in 1988, during the Soviet war
in Afghanistan. Radar-jamming Tu-22PD aircraft covered Tu-22M bombers operating
in Afghanistan near the Pakistan border, protecting the strike aircraft against
Pakistani air defence activity.

The Tu-22 was gradually phased out of Soviet service in favor of the
more-capable Tupolev Tu-22M. At the time of the dissolution of the Soviet Union
there were 154 remaining in service, but none are now believed to be used.

Specifications (Tu-22R)

General characteristics
Crew: three – pilot, navigator, weapons officer
Length: 41.60 m (136 ft 5 in)
Wingspan: 23.17 m (76 ft 0 in)
Height: 10.13 m (33 ft 3 in)
Wing area: 162 m² (1,742 ft²)
Loaded weight: 85,000 kg (187,000 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 92,000 kg (203,000 lb)
Powerplant: 2 × Dobrynin RD-7M-2 turbojets
Dry thrust: rated 107.9 kN (24,300 lbf) each
Thrust with afterburner: 161.9 kN (36,400 lbf) each

Performance
Maximum speed: 1,510 km/h (938 mph, Mach 1.42)
Range: 4,900 km (3,000 mi)
Service ceiling: 13,300 m (43,600 ft)
Wing loading: 525 kg/m² (107 lb/ft²)
Thrust/weight: 0.39

Armament
Guns: 1 × R-23 23 mm cannon in tail turret
Bombs: 9,000 kg (20,000 lb) or
Missiles: 1 × Kh-22 (AS-4 Kitchen) cruise missile



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