Great Aircraft - The Tupolev TU-160 Blackjack

The Tupolev TU-160 Blackjack is a Russian built strategic bomber that first flew in 1981.The Blackjack bears a strong resemblance to the North American B-1 but there are some very significant differences.

The TU 160 was built for long-range delivery of nuclear and conventional weapons. The Blackjack can operate in all weather conditions day or night in any climate. The aircraft was a collaboration between the Tupolev Aircraft Corporation and the Gorbunov Aircraft Company. The crew of the TU-160 consists of four people, a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, and a systems operator. The crew sits in zero/zero ejection seats, which means that they\'re able to safely eject in all flight regimes including zero altitude/zero airspeed (when parked on the ground).

The cockpit consists of conventional electro-mechanical \"steam\" gauges. The designers did not incorporate a glass cockpit type system, heads up displays, cathode ray tubes or LCD screens. Similarly to the U.S. built F-16, the TU-160 does use fly by wire. Instead of a yoke the Blackjack pilot uses a stick to manipulate the flight controls, which gives an indication of its maneuverability especially for such a large aircraft.

The Blackjack is powered by four Kuznetsov NK-321 Turbofan engines each rated at 30,900 lbs (dry thrust) and 55,100 lbs (afterburner thrust). The TU-160 has a distinct shape. The wing and fuselage blend into a single piece configuration. The variable geometry wings are able to sweep forward to 20 degrees for low speed flight and sweep back to 65 degrees fro high-speed subsonic and supersonic flight. The horizontal and vertical tail surfaces consist of one piece each and the entire surface moves.

The Blackjack has a maximum speed of 1,380 mph (Mach 2.05), an unrefueled combat radius of 6530 miles and an unrefueled maximum range of 10,815 miles. It has a service ceiling of 50,00 ft and a climb rate of 14,000 ft/minute. The ability of the bomber to refuel in-flight gives it almost a limitless range, the endurance of the crew being the limiting factor.

TU-160 flights that probe the limits of US and NATO airspace are increasing. Allied air crews are sharpening their intercept skills against one of Russia\'s mightiest bombers.

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