Tupolev Tu-22 "Blinder"
Kazan Aircraft Production Association / Tupolev · Soviet Union · first flew 1958 · bomber
The Tupolev Tu-22 (NATO: Blinder) was the Soviet Union's first supersonic bomber, notable for its unusual engine arrangement with both turbojets mounted in pods at the base of the vertical tail. Despite its impressive speed, it proved operationally disappointing and difficult to fly.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Very slender delta-ish wing blended to long fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin engines mounted in pods at base of the swept tail fin
- Very slender delta-ish wing blended to long fuselage
- Glazed nose and distinctive downward-droop of engine pods above the tail
The twin engines mounted high on the rear fuselage, flanking the base of the single tall fin, are unique among jet bombers and immediately identify the Tu-22.
Specifications
- The Tupolev Tu-22 has a length of 40.5 m (133 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 27.74 m (91 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1510 km/h (938 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1958 and entering service in 1962, the Tu-22 was designed to penetrate NATO air defences at supersonic speed. It served as a bomber, missile carrier, and reconnaissance platform. It saw combat in Libya and was operated by Iraq and Libya as export customers. It was retired from Russian service by 1994.
Variants
The Tu-22B was the baseline bomber; the Tu-22K carried the Kh-22 anti-ship missile; the Tu-22P was an electronic warfare variant; the Tu-22R was a photo-reconnaissance version.
Where you'll see it
Soviet Long Range Aviation and Naval Aviation operated the type; Libya and Iraq received export examples. Not related to the later variable-geometry Tu-22M.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.