Tupolev Tu-128P "Fiddler"
Tupolev · Soviet Union · first flew 1961 · fighter
The Tupolev Tu-128 (NATO: Fiddler) was the world's largest operational interceptor aircraft, designed to defend the vast Soviet Arctic airspace against high-altitude bomber threats. Its size was dictated by the need to carry the powerful Smerch-A radar and large R-4 missiles over extreme ranges.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Very large swept-wing interceptor with two engines buried in rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Very large swept-wing interceptor with two engines buried in rear fuselage
- Large ogival nose radome housing Smerch radar
- Four R-4 missiles carried under wings and fuselage
Its sheer size — comparable to a light bomber — distinguishes it from all other interceptors; the large pointed radome, broad swept wing, and twin engine exhausts at the rear fuselage are key features.
Specifications
- The Tupolev Tu-128P has a length of 30.06 m (99 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.53 m (58 ft).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1961, the Tu-128 entered PVO Strany service in 1964 as the Tu-128P interceptor variant equipped with the RP-S Smerch radar and R-4 (AA-5 Ash) missiles. It was designed to work in conjunction with the Tu-126 AWACS aircraft to intercept American bombers approaching the Soviet Union over the Arctic.
Variants
The Tu-128P was the production interceptor version; the Tu-128M introduced upgraded avionics and was the definitive operational standard; the Tu-128UT was a dual-control trainer.
Where you'll see it
Tu-128s equipped six PVO regiments based in Siberia and the Arctic, remaining in service until the mid-1980s when they were replaced by the MiG-31; no Tu-128 ever fired its missiles in anger.
Related aircraft
- Tu-128 Fiddler
- Tupolev Tu-123
- Tupolev Tu-95LAL
- Tupolev Tu-124
- Canadair CF-104D
- F-4B / F-4C Phantom II
- HAL HF-24 Marut
- McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II
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