TU 22m3: the characteristics of the aircraft (photo)

The supersonic missile carrier TU-22m3 is at the moment the latest model of the series of distant bombers of codification "Backfire". Modification with variable geometry of the wings was created to replace the outdated TU-16. The new "M3" can carry powerful weapons, solve strategic problems, make long-distance flights. In the international classification, the Tu-22m3 bomber belongs to the middle class of military aviation.

Tasks and purpose

The M3 missile launch vehicle is ideally suited for bomb attacks on land and sea targets during hostilities. Strikes are made by guided and aerial bombs. The TU-22m3 bomber can hit targets in a group of aircraft and singly at any time of the day, even in the worst weather conditions.

Defense against the attack is carried out with the help of special radio electronic suppressors of interference and modern air defense means. To date, there is no better bomber, which could hit optically invisible targets at higher speeds than TU-22m3. The characteristics of the aircraft make it indispensable for attacks of small areas with maximum heights. To date, this modification is capable of solving the following tasks:

1. The defeat of important industrial targets from the military point of view behind enemy lines.

2. Destruction of targets during the conduct of military operations of strategic troops and aviation.

3. Attack of ship groupings at the same time as confrontation with anti-aircraft fire.

4. Isolation of the enemy's strike forces against the approaching operational reserves.

5. The setting of interference and noise to attacking aircraft and guided missiles.

6. Conducting reconnaissance from the maximum and medium heights.

7. Participation in various operations of air defense forces, fleets and fronts.

History of creation

The wide production of the TU-22M modification was hampered by the development of expensive and complex technologies. However, during design, a new approach to the development of a universal strike bomber was developed. First, engineers abandoned the idea of a single-mode fighter. After studying all the nuances, they decided to design a multi-mode aircraft that could maneuver at different heights and speeds and at the same time hit the enemy with maximum precision. The solution to the problem was the introduction of the concept of variable geometry of the wings. Unlike previous models, the TU-22m3 characteristics allowed to make long flights with the maximum loaded compartment for warheads. The decision on the wide production of the bomber was made back in 1974 in the Council of Ministers of the USSR. At the heart of the new machine lay the advanced engine NK25. However, the project did not manage one replacement. The design of the missile carrier and its aerodynamics were also modernized. As a result of improvements, the weight of the aircraft was significantly reduced.

By the end of the 1970s, the production of large batches of "M3" was set up, which immediately after the tests shifted to the balance of the Soviet Air Force. One of the main differences of the model from the previous ones was an increase in the angle of deflection of the wing to 65 degrees. This made it possible to hide the units of the hydraulic turning unit into the contour of the fairing. Also, the fuselage was extended and combat equipment was improved. In addition, non-contact and hydromechanical generators in the TU-22m3 power supply system were first used.

Specifications

The design of the bomber is an all-metal freestanding monoplane. The wing's location is average, variable, and swept. The tail plumage is single-keystone. Chassis - retractable, three-bearing. TU-22m3 technical characteristics of the cabin are noteworthy. It can accommodate up to 4 people. In this case, the crew is placed in pairs: in front - two pilots, behind - navigator and navigator. The fuselage is also an all-metal construction. The frame is strengthened by longitudinal beams. Wings - coffered, double-spruce, consisting of a centroplane, swivel knots and SCHK. All parts are interconnected. As fuel tanks are used caissons. Fast maneuverability is achieved thanks to the flaps on the consoles and the three sections of the turn node. The vertical tail is represented by a rudder and keel.

The unique propulsion characteristics of the TU-22m3 aircraft allow reaching thrust in the afterburner mode up to 20 thousand kgf. Thus the maximum speed makes 2300 km / h, in a cruising mode - 930 km / h.

Management Features

In the missile carrier TU-22m3, the cockpit is represented by a longitudinal and transverse stabilizer, a rudder and an interceptor control system. Manageability is achieved through flaps and a swivel unit. In the event of an abnormal balance, the balance is held by the stabilizer.

It is worth highlighting the booster control system TU-22m3. The characteristics of the wings make it possible to achieve an optimal balance of hydromechanics of rotary assemblies and electronics of airborne equipment. Due to this, the bomber can provide fixation at angles from 20 to 65 degrees. The flap consoles hold the aircraft in the desired position due to the frictional force. The main airborne elements are navigational equipment, which include the NK-45 complex, the PNA radar and the OPB-015T optical sight , as well as the missile guidance system and the automatic station ABSU-145M. Communication between the crew is achieved through SPU-7.

Arsenal and defense

To date, one of the most frightening and powerful means of air attack is precisely the Tu-22m3 bomber. The characteristics of the impact part of the aircraft is proof. In the arsenal of a supersonic aircraft - guided missiles type X-22. In addition, the bomber has a special compartment for combat equipment of paramilitary units.

On the interfacility and external catapult consoles, it is possible to mount up to 10 X-15 missiles. In the cargo compartment there are special beams for hanging aerial bombs and mines up to 3000 kg. It should be noted that the maximum load that the aircraft can experience is about 24 tons. To protect against enemy attack, the missile carrier is equipped with a gun system GSh-23 with a built-in radar and a computational unit. To counter the interference and detection of aircraft TU-22m3 called the complex "Ural-M".

Combat application

The bomber was one of the main air strike forces during the Afghan war in late 1988. In military operations in Chechnya in the sky, TU-22m3 and MiG-31-MB were in charge. A joint flight of these supersonic aircraft was carried out in order to support the assault aviation by dumping light bombs.

In the summer of 2008, several modernized TU-22m3 struck a blow at important strategic points of the Georgian army in South Ossetia. It is noteworthy that none of the models of the TU-22M series has ever been exported, although China and India have repeatedly shown interest in them.

Major modifications

At the moment there are only two advanced variations of the bomber:

1. In the model TU-22m3M the sighting system SVP-24-22 was re-equipped. The navigation and computing complex was also modernized.

2. TU-22m3R is a reconnaissance aircraft, the main purpose of which is to interfere with enemy radar systems. This modification has not been widely used.