Tupolev Tu-80

Tupolev · Soviet Union · first flew 1949 · bomber

The Tupolev Tu-80 was a Soviet four-engine heavy bomber prototype of 1949, representing the final evolutionary development of the Tu-4 (itself a reverse-engineered Boeing B-29). It incorporated aerodynamic refinements and improved performance over its predecessor.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	4 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	34.37 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Soviet late piston-engine heavy bomber prototype
Developed from Tu-4 (B-29 copy) with improvements
Four radial engines on straight mid-wing

Very large four-engine straight-wing bomber closely resembling the B-29/Tu-4 in layout. Slightly more streamlined than the Tu-4 with a modified fuselage contour and different tail gun position.

Specifications

The Tupolev Tu-80 has a length of 34.37 m (113 ft).
It has a wingspan of 43.58 m (143 ft).
Its maximum speed is 545 km/h (339 mph).
Typical crew: 10.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The Tu-80 was developed as an interim improvement on the Tu-4, seeking better range and payload while the Soviets worked on jet-powered bombers. Only one prototype was built, first flying in December 1949. Although it demonstrated improved performance, the rapid advance of jet propulsion made the design obsolete before it could enter production. Attention shifted to the jet-powered Tu-16.

Variants

Only one prototype was constructed. The Tu-85 was a further enlarged development that also remained a prototype.

Where you'll see it

Never entered operational service. The sole prototype was used for evaluation and testing by the Soviet Air Force before being retired.

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