The TU-22m3 supersonic missile carrier is currently the latest model of the Backfire codification series of long-range bombers. Modification with variable geometry of the wings was created to replace the obsolete TU-16. The new M3s are capable of carrying powerful weapons, solving strategic problems, and making long-distance flights. In the international classification, the TU-22m3 bomber belongs to the middle class of military aviation.
Tasks and purpose
The missile carrier of the M3 modification is ideally suited for bomb attacks on land and sea targets during military operations. Strikes are made by guided and aircraft shells. The TU-22m3 bomber can hit targets in a group of aircraft and singly at any time of the day, even in the worst weather conditions.
Protection against attack is carried out using special electronic jammers and modern air defense systems. Today there is no better bomber that could hit optically invisible targets at high speeds than the TU-22m3. The characteristics of the aircraft make it indispensable for attacks of small areas from maximum heights.
To date, this modification is able to solve the following tasks:
1. The defeat of military-important industrial facilities behind enemy lines.
2. Destruction of targets during the conduct of hostilities of strategic troops and aircraft.
3. Attack of ship groups simultaneously with opposition to anti-aircraft fire.
4. Isolation of enemy strike forces from approaching operational reserves.
5. Setting interference and
noise to attacking aircraft and guided missiles.
6. Conducting reconnaissance from maximum and medium heights.
7. Participation in various operations of air defense forces, fleets and fronts.
History of creation
The wide production of the TU-22M modification was hampered by the development of expensive and complex technologies. However, when designing, a new approach was developed to create a universal strike bomber. Firstly, the engineers abandoned the idea of a single-mode fighter. Having studied all the nuances, they decided to construct a multi-mode aircraft that could maneuver at different heights and speeds and at the same time hit the enemy’s forces with maximum accuracy. The solution to the problem was the introduction of the concept of variable wing geometry.
Unlike previous models, the characteristics of the TU-22m3 made it possible to make long-range missions with the most loaded compartment for warheads. The decision on the wide production of the bomber was made back in 1974 in the USSR Council of Ministers. The new machine is based on the advanced NK25 engine. However, the project did not manage with one replacement. Modernization has undergone both the design of the missile carrier and its aerodynamics. As a result of improvements, the mass of the aircraft was significantly reduced.
By the end of the 1970s, the production of large batches of "M3" was established, which immediately after the tests passed to the balance of the Soviet Air Force. One of the main differences of the model from the previous ones was an increase in the angle of deviation of the wing to 65 degrees. This made it possible to hide the units of the hydraulic turning unit in the fairing contour. The fuselage was also lengthened and combat equipment was improved. In addition, contactless and hydromechanical generators were first used in
the TU-22m3
power supply system .
Specifications
The design of the bomber is an all-metal freestanding monoplane. The location of the wing is medium, variable, swept. The tail is single-tail. Chassis - retractable, tricycle. The technical characteristics of the cabin are notable for TU-22m3 . It can accommodate up to 4 people. In this case, the crew is placed in pairs: in front - two pilots, behind - the navigator and navigator.
The fuselage is also an all-metal construction. The frame is reinforced with longitudinal beams. Wings - caisson, two-spar, consisting of a center section, rotary nodes and SCHK. All parts are interconnected inseparably. Caissons are used as fuel tanks. Fast maneuverability is achieved thanks to flaps on the consoles and three sections of the rotation unit. The vertical plumage is represented by a rudder and keel.
Unique engine characteristics of the TU-22m3 aircraft allow reaching thrust in afterburner mode of up to 20 thousand kgf. The
maximum speed is 2300 km / h, in cruising mode - 930 km / h.
Management Features
In the TU-22m3 missile carrier, the cockpit is represented by a longitudinal and transverse stabilizer, rudder and interceptor control system. Manageability is achieved through flaps and a rotary assembly. In the event of an emergency deviation, the balance is held by the stabilizer.
It is worth highlighting the booster control system TU-22m3. The characteristics of the wings make it possible to achieve the optimal balance of hydromechanics of rotary assemblies and electronics of on-board equipment. Thanks to this, the bomber can provide fixation at angles from 20 to 65 degrees. Flap consoles hold the aircraft in position due to friction.
The main airborne elements are navigation equipment, which includes the NK-45 complex, the PNA radar and the
optical sight OPB-015T, as well as the missile guidance system and the automatic station ABSU-145M. Communication between the crew is achieved through SPU-7.
Arsenal and defense
Today, one of the most awesome and powerful means of air attack is the TU-22m3 bomber. The characteristics of the shock of the aircraft are proof of this. In service with a supersonic aircraft - guided missiles type X-22. In addition, the bomber has a special compartment for combat equipment of paramilitary units.
On the intra-fuselage installation and external ejection consoles, it is possible to mount up to 10 X-15 missiles. The cargo bay has special beams for hanging aircraft bombs and mines up to 3000 kg. It is worth noting that the maximum load that the aircraft can experience is about 24 tons.
To protect against an enemy attack, the missile carrier is equipped with the GS-23 cannon system with an integrated radar and a computing unit. The Ural-M complex is called to resist interference and detection of a TU-22m3 aircraft.
Combat use
The bomber was one of the main air strike forces during the Afghan war in late 1988. The military operations in Chechnya in the heavenly expanses were dominated by TU-22m3 and MiG-31-MB. The joint flight of these supersonic aircraft was carried out in order to support attack aircraft by dropping light bombs.
In the summer of 2008, several modernized TU-22m3 made a targeted strike at important strategic points of the Georgian army in South Ossetia.
It is noteworthy that none of the models of the TU-22M series has ever been exported, although China and India have repeatedly shown interest in them.
Major modifications
At the moment, there are only two advanced variations of the bomber:
1. In the TU-22m3M model, the SVP-24-22 sighting system was refitted. Also, the navigation and computer complex has undergone modernization.
2. TU-22m3R is a reconnaissance aircraft, the main purpose of which is to interfere with enemy locator systems. This modification is not widely used.