Tupolev Tu-95
Russian strategic bomber aircraft / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Tupolev Tu-95 (Russian: Туполев Ту-95; NATO reporting name: "Bear") is a large, four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and missile platform. First flown in 1952, the Tu-95 entered service with the Long-Range Aviation of the Soviet Air Forces in 1956 and was first used in combat in 2015. It is expected to serve the Russian Aerospace Forces until at least 2040.
Tu-95 | |
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Tu-95MS Bear H RF-94130 off Scotland in 2014 | |
Role | Strategic heavy bomber |
National origin | Soviet Union |
Manufacturer | Aviakor |
Design group | Tupolev |
First flight | 12 November 1952; 71 years ago (1952-11-12) |
Introduction | 1956 |
Status | In service |
Primary users | Russian Aerospace Forces Soviet Air Forces (historical) Soviet Navy (historical) Ukrainian Air Force (historical) |
Produced | 1952–1993 |
Number built | >500 |
Variants | Tupolev Tu-114 Tupolev Tu-142 Tupolev Tu-95LAL Tupolev Tu-116 |
A development of the bomber for maritime patrol is designated the Tu-142, while a passenger airliner derivative was called the Tu-114.
The aircraft has four Kuznetsov NK-12 engines with contra-rotating propellers. It is the only propeller-powered strategic bomber still in operational use today. The Tu-95 is one of the loudest military aircraft, particularly because the tips of the propeller blades move faster than the speed of sound.[1] Its distinctive swept-back wings are set at an angle of 35°. The Tu-95 is the only propeller-driven aircraft with swept wings built in large numbers.