Tupolev Tu-98
Tupolev · Soviet Union · first flew 1956 · bomber
The Tupolev Tu-98 (NATO reporting name 'Backfin') was a Soviet supersonic jet bomber prototype developed in the mid-1950s to explore supersonic strategic strike capabilities. Only a small number of prototypes were built and the type did not enter production.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Soviet 1950s supersonic bomber prototype with area-ruled fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet 1950s supersonic bomber prototype with area-ruled fuselage
- Twin turbojet engines in wing root/fuselage fairings
- Long needle nose and highly swept wings
A sleek supersonic design with highly swept mid-wings, twin engines buried in the fuselage sides near the wing roots, a long pointed nose, and a conventional tail; the area-ruled fuselage creates a distinct waisted appearance.
Specifications
- The Tupolev Tu-98 has a length of 30.2 m (99 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.8 m (58 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1238 km/h (769 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Tupolev developed the Tu-98 in response to Soviet requirements for a supersonic follow-on to the subsonic Tu-16. First flown in 1956, the Tu-98 demonstrated supersonic performance but was not developed further, as the more capable Tu-22 programme was preferred. The Tu-98 contributed valuable data to Soviet high-speed bomber design.
Variants
Only prototype examples were built; the Tu-98 did not reach a production standard. Its design lessons fed into the Tu-22 Blinder development.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service; remained a prototype and research aircraft evaluated by the Soviet Air Force and Tupolev's design bureau.
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