Tupolev Tu-22M
The Tupolev Tu-22M Backfire is a large, variable-sweep supersonic bomber built to strike naval and land targets at long range, a mission that drew intense Cold War-era controversy over whether it could reach the continental United States and counted under strategic arms limitation treaties. Its swing wing lets it combine efficient long-range cruise with a fast, low-level penetration profile against enemy air defences. It remains a key part of Russia's long-range strike force, having flown bombing missions in Afghanistan, Chechnya, Syria, and Ukraine across four decades of continuous service. Upgraded Tu-22M3M versions are expected to keep it flying for years to come.
Did you know?
The Tu-22M Backfire's swing wing combines efficient long-range cruise with a fast, low-level penetration profile against enemy air defences.
Specifications
| Length | 42.5 m (139 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 34.3 m (112 ft) |
| Height | 11.1 m (36 ft) |
| Crew | 4 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 124 t |
| Range | 3,400 NM (6,297 km) |
| Maximum speed | 1,050 kt (1,945 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Rate of climb | 6,000 ft/min (30.5 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 2,100 m (6,890 ft) |
| Landing distance | 1,300 m (4,265 ft) |
| Engines | 2x Kuznetsov NK-25 |
| Units built | 497 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
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