144-024 TU-22KD BLINDER

The Tupolev Tu-22 is a Soviet supersonic jet bomber and reconnaissance aircraft with a classic tail in the mid-wing configuration. The flight of the prototype took place on September 7, 1959, and serial production continued in the years 1961-1969. The first prototypes showed many problems with operation and were highly malfunctioning, but in serial copies most of the defects were removed. Another downside was the fact that the Tu-22 was very difficult to pilot and "did not forgive" the pilot's mistakes, which resulted in several disasters at the beginning of the service. However, the plane compensated for this with very good performance and flight characteristics. In the course of development, several versions of the aircraft were created, including: Tu-22A and Tu-22M (bomber versions), Tu-22K (sea bomber), Tu-22D and Tu-22P (electronic countermeasures and jamming aircraft), Tu-22R (reconnaissance version). The plane was used in combat during the war in Afghanistan (1979-1989). The machine has been exported to several countries, including Libya and Iraq. Technical data (Tu-22R version): length: 41.6 m, wingspan: 23.17 m, height: 10.13 m, maximum speed: 1510 km / h, practical ceiling: 13 200 m, maximum range: 4900 km, armament: fixed - 1 23mm R-23 cannon, suspended - up to 9,000 kg of bombs.