Tupolev Tu-95
The Tupolev Tu-95 Bear is the most successful and longest-serving Tupolev strategic bomber and missile carrier built by the Soviet Union, enjoying lengthy service in a variety of roles and configurations. To date, it remains the only bomber deployed by any country to use turboprop engines, which provides extraordinarily long endurance at speeds only slightly less than comparable turbojet-powered heavy bombers.
Development of the Tu-95 began in the early 1950s after series production of the medium-range Tu-4 started. The Tu-95 is powered by four Kuznetsov NK-12 turboprop engines, each driving contra-rotating propellers, and remains the fastest propeller-driven aircraft to go into operational use. The wings are mid-mounted and swept back at 35 degrees, a very sharp angle by the standards of propeller-driven aircraft. The tail is a fin that is swept back and tapered with a square tip.
The Tu-95 development was officially approved by the government on July 11, 1951, resulting in the test of the first prototype on November 12, 1952. Series production of the aircraft began in January 1956. Currently the Tu-95 is still active in service and is expected to remain in service with the Russian Air Force until at least 2040.
Specifications (Tu-95MS)
Length: 49.50 m (162 ft 5 in)
Wingspan: 51.10 m (167 ft 8 in)
Height: 12.12 m (39 ft 9 in)
Wing area: 310 m² (3,330 ft²)
Empty weight: 90,000 kg (198,000 lb)
Loaded weight: 171,000 kg (376,200 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 188,000 kg (414,500 lb)
Powerplant: 4× Kuznetsov NK-12MV turboprops, 11,000 kW (14,800 shp) each
Maximum speed: 920 km/h (510 knots, 575 mph)
Range: 15,000 km (8,100 nm, 9,400 mi)
Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,000 ft)
Rate of climb: 10 m/s (2,000 ft/min)
Radar-controlled guns: 1 or 2× AM-23 23 mm cannon in tail turret
Missiles: Up to 15,000 kg (33,000 lb), including the Kh-20, Kh-22, Kh-26, and Kh-55 air-to-surface missiles
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