Tupolev Tu-142
Tupolev / Aviakor · Soviet Union · first flew 1968 · transport aircraft
The Tupolev Tu-142 is a Soviet/Russian maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft derived from the Tu-95 strategic bomber, optimized for long-range ocean surveillance and submarine hunting. It remains one of the largest and longest-ranged maritime patrol aircraft ever built.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Long fuselage stretch and modified weapons bay for ASW torpedoes and sonobuoys |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet maritime patrol and ASW derivative of the Tu-95 Bear
- Four contra-rotating turboprop engines with distinctive sound signature
- Long fuselage stretch and modified weapons bay for ASW torpedoes and sonobuoys
Virtually identical to the Tu-95 in overall layout but with a noticeably longer fuselage and a different nose profile; the four contra-rotating turboprop engines with their characteristic sound are the most distinctive recognition feature.
Specifications
- The Tupolev Tu-142 has a length of 53.08 m (174 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 50 m (164 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 925 km/h (575 mph).
- Typical crew: 11.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in June 1968, the Tu-142 introduced a lengthened fuselage, new undercarriage, and specialized ASW systems compared to the Tu-95. It entered Soviet Naval Aviation service in 1972 and was produced at Taganrog and Kuibyshev (Aviakor). India operates the type as the Tu-142M, making it one of the few nations besides Russia to fly the aircraft.
Variants
Main variants include the Tu-142, Tu-142M, Tu-142MR (communications relay) and Tu-142MZ; India's aircraft are designated Tu-142ME.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Russian Navy and the Indian Navy (as Tu-142ME); India received eight aircraft that served with INAS 312 squadron until retirement in 2017. No UK service.
Related aircraft
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