Tu-16 BADGER (TUPOLEV)
The Tupolev Tu-16 Badger was one of the first jet powered bombers. When it entered service in 1953, it represented a truly remarkable advance in terms of payload, speed and range, although it was soon surpassed by later designs. Long Range Strategic Air Command operated nearly 300 Badgers right up to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the air force of the Commonwealth of Independent States will no doubt continue to do so for many years to come. Although a fair proportion of this total is tasked with electronic warfare and refueling, there is still a sizable force of 'Badger-A' bombers still active. The CIS's naval air arm also operates strike role Tu-16's. China is the other major operator, building a copy of the Badger known as the Xian H-6. More than 100 are currently in service with the air force of the People's Liberation Army.
The Badger's wings are mid-mounted, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips. There are fences on top of the wings and its landing gear pods extend beyond the wings' trailing edges. The Badger's engine(s) are two turbojets mounted in wing roots which extend beyond the leading and trailing edges of the wing root. The engines also have round air intakes. Its fuselage is long, slender, and bulging where the engines are mounted and tapered to the tail. It has a round, glassed-in nose and a stepped cockpit. The tail is swept-back, tapered fin and flats with blunt tips. The Badger also has a tail gunner compartment. All models of Badger are equipped for aerial refueling.
The Tu-16 was designed as a high-speed jet bomber for operations in theaters close to the Soviet Union. Intended to replace the propeller-driven TU-4, the greatest design challenge faced during development was to doubling the speed to improve survivability in the face of enemy fighters.
OKB A.N. Tupolev started working on the design of the Tu-16 following the completion of the TU-4. The resulting design "82" consisted of a swept-wing aircraft with RD-45F or VK-1 turbojet engines. The bomber was supposed to have a speed of Mach 0.9-0.95 with a range and payload was comparable to the TU-4.
Operational research and development of the Tu-16 began with the development of the "82" was officially started after the bomber's operational characteristics had been coordinated with the military and the government. The prototype, which was the first Soviet aircraft with swept-wings, made its' first flight in March 1949. It reached a speed of 934 km/h, 20 percent faster than the TU-14 which also had BK-1 engines. The "82" design was initially supposed to serve as the basis for the "83" bomber, but with the start of serial production of the Il-28, the project was dropped.
Based on the results of the "82" aircraft, in 1950 OKB Tupolev started developing the "492" heavy long-range bomber that had a better performance than the TU-4 and the Il-28. The design provided for a bomb load of 6000 kg (increasable to 12,000kg), a range of 7,500 km, a speed of 1000 km/h and a ceiling of 12000-13000 m.The aircraft could be outfitted with three different types of engines: two AM-3 engines with a thrust of 8750 kg, 4 engines ?R-3A engines (5000 kg) or 4 TR-5 two circuit engines (5000 kg). At the time the TR-5 engines were the most reliable of the three engines and as a result, Tupolev was charged with the development of an experimental long-range bomber (project "88") equipped with two TR-5 engines. However, work on the AM-3 engines continued and was completed in August 1951.
The first prototype of the "88" aircraft received the designation Tu-16 and carried out the first flight on 27 April 1952. During flight tests, the aircraft exceeded the expected speed but lagged in range due to insufficient engine performance. As a result, the second prototype had a reduced weight though less speed at small and medium altitudes. In April 1953 it actually exceeded the expected range.
In 1953 series production of the TU-16 began at the plant Nr. 22 in Kazan and one year later at the plant Nr.1 in Kuibyshev and Nr. 64 in Voronezh. Rather relying on the original TR-5 engines, the aircraft were outfitted with a modified AM-3 engine - the PD-3MT during production. While the bombers were already operational, the AM-3 and PD-3M engines were replaced by PD-3M-500 engines with improved characteristics. When production of the TU-16 finally stopped in 1963, a total of 1509 aircraft had been built.
Deployment of the first TU-16 bombers started in 1954. They replaced the TU-4, operating in theaters close to Soviet territory. During the 1954 Soviet May Day fly-by and the rehearsals preceding it, between 9 and 11 twin-jet medium bombers, designated Type 39 by Western intelligence, participated. Subsequent Western intelligence associated this type with a known Soviet Long-Range Aviation unit. At that time, Western intelligence estimated that as at least two regiments of Soviet Long-Range Aviation with a total strength of 60 aircraft were in the process of equipment with Type 39 medium bombers.
The TU-16 remained in Soviet and later Russian service until 1993. They were used during the war in Afghanistan. The Badger is used by Egypt, Iraq, the People's Republic of China (H-6), and Ukraine. In 1958, delivery of TU-16 bombers to China began, where series production received the designation H-6. In the summer of 1961, twenty TU-16KS were sold to Indonesia. In the 1960s, TU-16 bombers were delivered to Egypt which also received TU-16KS aircraft in 1967 and Tu-16K-11-16 in 1973. Iraq also received TU-16K-11-16 bombers in the 1960s.
| Historical Review - Western Estimates |
| Estimated start of flight testing |
1953 |
| First discovery |
|
| Badger A |
1953 |
| Badger B |
July 1961 |
| Badger C |
July 1961 |
| Badger D |
September 1964 |
| Badger E |
January 1963 |
| Badger F |
1959 |
| Badger G |
July 14, 1966 |
| Badger H |
March 1965 |
| Badger J |
March 1965 |
| Badger K |
September 1968 |
| Estimated start of series production |
1953 |
| Public display in significant numbers |
May 1, 1954 |
| Initial operational capability |
1954 |
| Significant operational capability |
1955 |
In the second half of the 40s to the major aviation powers of the world the question arose of creating a bomber capable of carrying a bomb load, including nuclear, in the range of 8-9 m in the 5000-6000 km, with a maximum speed of 1000 km / h . The US Air Force was supposed to replace aging aircraft such as Boeing B-29 «Superfortress», and in the long-range aviation of the USSR connections - an analog of the Tu-4. The need for this was dictated by the growing power of the fighter aircraft and the constant improvement of radar detection of air targets.
In the USSR, to the design of a new bomber launched in 1948, the Tupolev Design Bureau. Before the designers had a task: to create a plane, not inferior in range and capacity of the Tu-4, but surpasses it in twice the speed. To solve it, it was necessary to have the jet engines with a total thrust of the order of 15-16 thousand. Kg. Soviet serial THD type VC-1 had a craving just 2700 kg, and one is tempted option to install or six engines on pylons under the wing or bags in the wings or fuselage (similar German project end of the war). But this arrangement could hardly reach a speed of 1,000 km / h, so needed to create an entirely new power plant, as well as master swept high aspect ratio wing.
In 1949, EDB has issued an experimental aircraft test "82". His speed (930 km / h) 20 per cent higher than the rate of Tu-14 ( "81") with the same type of engine, but with the right wing. In 1950-1951 years in the bureau were studied projects distant jet bombers "86" (wingspan - 25.5 meters, fuselage length - 24.15 m) and "87", which was repeated by the layout of the aircraft "82", but had a significantly higher size and weight. They are supposed to install two motors A.Mikulina design (AM-02 turbojet engine with a thrust of 4780 kgf) or A.Lyulki (TR-3 with a thrust of 4600 kgf). each bomber speed was as high as 950-1000 km / h, range - 4000 km, and bomb load - from 2000 to 6000 kg; takeoff weight -. in the range of 30-40 tonnes of researches on these two topics have resulted in a new project with the code "88". By that time, under the leadership of A.Mikulina turbojet type AM-3 was created with 8750 kg thrust.
The complex task of determining the size of the aircraft, its aerodynamic and structural arrangement was solved by carrying out a large number of parametric studies, model simulations and field tests. The variants of the engine and under four TP-3F with a thrust of about 5000 kg of the project "90" (two engines at the wing root, and two - under the wing). To create a new bomber aircraft radar sight RBP-4, is the development of "Rubidium" sight and who had also a synchronous connection to the optical OPB-11r. With the help of a flying laboratory Tu-4 pp carried lapping AM-3 engine.
At the end of 1951 the first prototype of the bomber, "88", named Tu-16 was referred to the flight base for testing and debugging. Aircraft Layout feature was that the two AM-3 were pressed to the engine and the fuselage portion located behind the maximum thickness of the wing root. April 27, 1952 the crew of a test pilot N.Rybko raised the Tu-16 in the air, and in December 1952, has already been decided aircraft in serial production starts.
When tested speed 1012 km / h higher than specified in the specifications. However, the car did not reach the desired range Tu-16 was clearly peretyazhelena design. Tupolev aircraft DS Markov and lead designer of the OKB organized a real struggle for weight loss. The score went to kilograms and even programs. We were alleviated all non-force elements of the design, but also set limits on the maximum speed for small and medium altitudes. The second prototype of the "88" in April 1953 exceeded the specified range of flight. Its weight has been reduced compared to the first machine in the 5.5 t This put the last point in the fight, "88" Competitors: IL-46, which had a straight shape of the wing, and the bomber "150"..
New high-speed jet bomber long range can solve a wide range of a variety of combat missions to destroy enemy targets. The crew could make bombing day and night in all weather conditions, both in groups and singly, at high altitudes on the objectives that have a strong defense. The aircraft was equipped with the most modern at that time, navigation tools, radio, radar, and had a powerful defensive weapon.
The composition of the crew of the Tu-16, six: left pilot (captain), right-Pilot (assistant captain); Navigator, the leading navigation and bombing aircraft; navigator-operator, a leading job management and maintenance of radar bombsight, managing the aircraft power supply and fire top gun mount; Gunner, providing connection to the land and managing the fire of the lower gun mount, stern arrows, managing fire cannon fodder plants, he also imparted control radar, which synchronously related to small installations and is designed for shooting in all visibility conditions. For emergency evacuation of the airplane all the crew members are discharged from the emergency hatches covers and ejection seat. The commander of the ship and right pilot catapulted up the rest of the crew - down.
Serial production of the Tu-16, established in Kazan in 1953, and a year later, and at the Kuibyshev aircraft factory. Meanwhile, in the bureau were working on various modifications of the machine. AM-3 replaced the more powerful engine, the RD-3M, with a thrust of 9520 kg. The first production aircraft began to arrive in the combat units in early 1954. May 1 of that year, nine Tu-16 has been demonstrated in the sky over Red Square, and on the Day of Aviation in August 1955 over the Tushino airfield's been 54 TU-16 in service.
Tu-16 - unusual not only in the Soviet, but also in the global aircraft industry. Perhaps only an American B-52 can be compared with him for longevity. For 40 years, it was created about 50 modifications of the Tu-16, part of which is now in service. Many elements of his designs have become classics for heavy combat vehicles. Tu-16 served as a basis for checking the quality of the domestic aviation materials, in particular high-strength light alloy, corrosion protection, for the creation of a class of Soviet Kyrgyzstan and air strike systems.
Code for NATO - Badger-A (Badger).
MODIFICATIONS
Tu-16A . Following the bomber variant in series production was launched nuclear weapons carriers Tu-16A. With one of these aircraft oktyabpya 27, 1967 in China and it was ppoizveden Reset podpyv pepvogo Chinese tepmoyadepnogo uctpoyctva moschnoctyu 1-3 Matt.
Tu-16Z . To increase the flight range of the Tu-16, designed a system of wing-flight refueling, is somewhat different from the previously spent on the Tu-4. In 1955 he came to test prototypes and tanker refueled aircraft. After the adoption of the system into service in tankers, which were named Tu-16Z, retooled conventional production machines. Due to the fact that the equipment and extra fuel tank can be easily removed if necessary refuel again able to carry out the functions bomber. There was also a modification of tanker aircraft Tu-16ZSCH.
Tu-16KS - aircraft missile (another name - the Tu-16K). The main purpose - strikes on enemy targets considerably remote controlled KR type COP-1. For this purpose, the serial Tu-16 two wing beam holder DB-187 with a fairing and relief units, power, lifting and fixing of cleaning blocks the antenna and radar transmitter, finder navigator were installed. Spetsoperatoru place in the cockpit was not found and he was placed in the pressurized cabin, hung from the lower nodes bomb racks in the bomb bay, equipped with appropriate life-support systems, including the installation of ejection. All control complex with station "Cobalt-H" was completely taken with the Tu-4KS.
Flight performance-missile Tu-16KS differed from the bomber: maximum airspeed at standard height of 7150 m was 894 km / h with two missiles and 960 km / h - one, a running length of respectively 2040 and 1905 m, the practical flight range ( to the target with missiles from the target without suspension) - 3135 and 3560 km, the distance of the COP-1 launch - 90 km. The radius of the airplane due to the increase additional resistance decreased significantly.
The tests of the Tu-16KS began in August 1954 and in June 1957 the first missile began to arrive in the 124th MTAP BSF DD aviation. In 1958, the Tu-16KS began to arrive on the Northern and Pacific fleets. Summer of 1961, 25 Tu-16KS were provided by Indonesia. Code for NATO - Badger-B.
Tu-16T . Since the mid-50's standard and built Tu-16T - torpedo, the purpose of which - torpedo attack large sea targets and setting minefields. Since 1965 all the Tu-16T were converted to Tu-16C rescue with "Fregat" boat in the bay bomber. The boat was dumped in the area of the accident and the conclusions to the victims with the help of radio system "Speech". Range Ty-16C - 2000 km.
Tu-16K-10 . In 1955 he began work on the creation of aircraft missile system K-10, include the aircraft carrier Tu-16K-10, K-10C KR and on the basis of radar guidance system "EH". It was intended to destroy surface ships with a displacement of 8,000-10,000 tons or more that is not explained by capacity warhead missiles, and the capacity of its guidance system.
Ha Tu-16KS significant improvements have been made: bombovooruzhenie dismantled, removed one of the fuel tanks, and therefore had to re-order fuel production. At the same time we installed additional fuel tank lower tank missiles. In the LPF under the radome radar antenna placed "EN" and receiving and transmitting equipment channel targets "EH", changed the location of jobs navigators, but a sealed container for a suspension of the navigator-operator and launch control equipment remained. Ha Tu-16K-10 can be suspended only one missile K-10C on Trimmer holder DB-238, which had two positions: at the top - a rocket poluutoplena in the fuselage of the aircraft and fell to the bottom before starting. Uncoupling rocket made after checking the serviceability of the media radar and rocket engine output running at Boost mode. suspension compartment after uncoupling rocket closed doors.
The prototype of the Tu-16K-10 was released in 1958, and a year later began its serial production. In the summer of 1961 showed the plane on an air show in Tushino. In the same period, were successfully carried out launches K-10C in various fleets. In October 1961, we adopted a complex. August 22, 1962 at Novaya Zemlya in the framework of the exercise "Squall" has been tested missile K-10C with the erosion of the nuclear charge, which was launched from an aircraft carrier Tu-16K-10. Code for NATO - Badger-C.
Tu-16RM . In the 60s of the Tu-16K-10 turned into a sea scouts Tu-16RM. Code for NATO - Badger-D.
Tu-16P . Even in 1955 began trial Scout Tu-16P (Project "92"), which is then built in two versions - for day and night aerial photography. A number of these aircraft have been delivered to the Egyptian Air Force. Code for NATO - Badger-E.
Tu-16K-16 . (Other names -. 16KSR Tu-Tu-16KSR-2) Almost at the same time with the K-10 system, in accordance with the USSR Council of Ministers Resolution of April 2, 1956 under the leadership of KB A.Ya.Bereznyaka set out to build a missile K-16 system, later renamed the missile complex Tu-16K-16. The complex, testing is commenced November 15, 1958, it was adopted by the Air Force and the Navy in January 1962 and included the aircraft carrier Tu-16KSR-2, two winged KSR-2 missiles, equipment management "Rubicon" missile, test equipment and facilities.
The Tu-16KSR-2 was converted from a Tu-16KS and its characteristics different from him slightly. During the conversion from the Tu-16KS dismantled a pressurized container with a set of station K-11M, beamed holders DB-187, ACA, all wiring and electrical "Comet", the BPM-4 radar and some other equipment. After that, the aircraft established a more advanced radar "Rubin-1", beamed holders DB-352 Doppler ground speed and drift angle Diss-1 autopilot AP-6E (instead AP5-2M), finalized the fuel system.
Complex of Tu-16K-16 existed in naval aviation relatively short time since its weaknesses identified "practical test" during the war in Egypt (which comes Tu-16K-16) with Israel in 1973, proved to be too explicit. Code for NATO - Badger-G.
Tu-16K-11-16 . In 1963 it began the development of missile K-11, which became an integral part in the missile complex Tu-16K-11-16. Launch K-11 was designed to destroy ground-based and naval radar. The LPF and the chassis compartment front foot placed blocks of the station electronic reconnaissance and target designation "Ritz". In order to maintain the alignment of the aircraft within acceptable for the safe operation of the aircraft had to be removed within a completely useless in all respects nasal AM-23 gun. Tu-16K-11-16, converted from a previously built Tu-16, Tu-16Z and Tu-16KS, could carry two missiles of the KSR-2 (K-16) or the DAC-11 (K-11) on the wing beam holders.
By the beginning of "Six Day War" Egypt had about twenty Tu-16, but already in the first hours after the start of hostilities almost all of them were destroyed on the ground. In the future, the Egyptian Air Force purchased a batch of machines Tu-16K-11-16, who participated in combat operations during the 1973 war. Aircraft used for the application of rocket attacks on Israeli radar (were disabled two stations) and other objects, and only one machine was lost. Code for NATO - Badger-G mod.
Tu-16K-26 and Tu16K-10-26 . By the early 70-ies in the battle of the naval aviation, there were more than 250 missiles to attack ships, but their improvement work continued. December 4, 1969 order of the Minister of Defence of the USSR was adopted by the missile system K-26 data and the possibility of which is many times superior to anything previously created. The complex was designed to destroy sea and land targets, having a radar contrast and was combined with the complex K-11-16 and K-10. Aircraft-missile carriers Tu-16K-11-16 and TU-16K-10 have finished changing the system of suspension missiles and their launch. Aircraft began to be called, respectively, the Tu-16K-26 and Tu16K-10-26. On Tu-16K-26 provides the use of two missile DAC-5 and one DAC-2 (or DAC-11) in any combination. Ha Tu-16K-10-26 aircraft could hang two KSR-5 and one K-10SHB, which significantly expanded the capabilities of the system, if not to take into account the reduction of tactical radius of 700-800 km.
Later on the Tu-16K-10-26 established 12 bomb racks under the wings and fuselage, providing suspension bombs caliber from 100 to 1500 kg with a total weight up to 9000 kg. To ensure the intended bombing sight OPB-1RU, leading back to the thirties. Upgraded into a multipurpose complex was called Tu-16K-10-26B, indicating the possibility of suspension of bombs, aircraft and crews had to go back to the forgotten art of bombing with a preliminary calculation of impact on the data tables bombing. Code for NATO - Badger-C mod.
Tu-16K-16-26 . (Another name -. Tu-16KSR-2-5) Upgraded version of the complex Tu-16K-16. The volume of completions it was significant because the radar installed on an airplane has a low resolution, limited range and other disadvantages. Search for technical solutions that empower radar P-1K has taken a lot of time, and the proposals were very different, even offered to install a more advanced search and antenna sighting "Berkut" system of the aircraft IL-38, but there were problems with its placement on the aircraft. In the end, on a plane antenna system installed another type with the best gain, decreased 1.5 times the width of the radiation pattern, and other implemented solutions. However, improvements are not limited to the improvement of radar characteristics. Have also made ??changes to the airframe, fuel production automation, electrical and radio equipment, and the complex at the end of completions was named Tu-16KSR-2-5 (later Tu-16K-16-26), and its combat capabilities have increased significantly. Code for NATO - Badger-G mod.
TU-16H . Since 1963, part of the Tu-16 was converted into tankers TU-16H, intended for refueling of the Tu-22 and similar aircraft for "hose - cone" system.
Tu-Tu-16P and 16E . The big development on the basis of the Tu-16 received EW planes, often called jammers. The first modification appeared in the late 50s and in the 60s became the standard build Tu-16P and Tu-16E. Subsequently EW systems are equipped with all the shock and reconnaissance variants of the Tu-16. Code for NATO - Badger-F
Tu-16KRM . At the end of the 60s several bombers on the instructions of the National Air Defense Command was converted into carrier rockets target Tu-16KRM. Machinery, Obsolete, used as a radio-controlled target aircraft Tu-16M.
Tu-16LL . Tu-16 was also used as flying laboratories for debugging engine AL-7F-1, HP-7 and others. To this end, the bomb bay area was placed a movable mechanism for the suspension of an experienced engine, which is partially recessed during takeoff and landing, and after a set height nominated. Such systems on the Tu-16LL used not only for dovodok TRD, but also to study the aerodynamic properties of different types of aircraft. Thus, one of the flying laboratories chassis practiced cycling scheme.
"Cyclone" Tu-16 . At the end of the 70s was a laboratory - weather reconnaissance. Aircraft "Cyclone" containers equipped with an overhead spraying chemicals, scattering clouds.
H-6 . Since 1958 began to supply aircraft to China, but after a complication of relations with the Soviet Union, the Chinese government decided to build the Tu-16 on its own. From 1968 to 1987, we built 120 of these aircraft. Recent versions (H-6D) were armed with two cruise missiles C-601's own production and have better equipment, including BEVM and a new surveillance radar. Four H-6D aircraft have been delivered to Iraq.
Tu-104 . According to its characteristics and layout of the Tu-16 was so successful that it allowed no problems to create on its basis of the first Soviet multi-seat jet airliner Tu-104. July 17, 1955 test pilot Yu.Alasheev raised in the air prototype Tu-104, and the next year began mass production of cars at the Kharkov aircraft factory. This aircraft, like its military prototype of the Tu-16, was a sredneplan with swept wings and tail surfaces, with two turbojet engines, located in the root of the wing, on the sides of the fuselage. Hermetic cabin seats 50 passengers and allowed to fly at altitudes of up to 11,500 m with a cruising speed of 850 km / h. At the World Exhibition in Brussels in 1958, a gold medal was awarded to the aircraft Tu-104.
In stomestnom version of Tu-104B with a takeoff weight of 76 tons could make non-stop scheduled flights to a range of over 3,000 km. In a variant of the Tu-104E on board were 122 passengers already. This aircraft and its modifications Soviet pilots have established a large number of world records in those years. Code for NATO - Camel (Camel).
Aircraft, which had the designation Tu-104G, actually to the Tu-104 did not have a relationship. These were serial bombers converted for emergency transportation of mail and cargo are like civilian modification of the Tu-16.
There was also a flying laboratory Tu-104LL. This aircraft has been tested a number of systems, including missile designed for loitering interceptor Tu-128. And with the Tu-104LL even conducted missile launches advanced K-80 targets.
In 1960, a military transport plane Tu-107 was based on the Tu-104. From its prototype passenger he differed lack of windows and the presence of wide hatch on the fuselage sides. small series of these aircraft was built.
In 1960, an attempt was made on the basis of the Tu-104 passenger plane with four turbojet. However, beyond the prototype did not get, the Tu-110 (so named this aircraft) remained in one piece, but despite this was still coded NATO - Cooker (Cook).
In 1960, the Tu-124 has been created, which is a miniature copy of the Tu-104 with engines D-20P developed in OKB Soloviev PA. However, along with new positive qualities mainly associated with an increase in efficiency and profitability of the aircraft, he continued to enjoy and disadvantages of the prototype Tu-104. The special modification of the Tu-124SH used for training navigators bombers. Code for NATO - Cookpot (Pot).
By 1963, the Tu-124 has undergone a radical modification associated with the installation of new turbofan D-30 in HCHF outside. So there was a medium-haul Tu-134 flying at a cruising speed of 850 km / h and a range of 1900-3000 km. Among other modifications of the Tu-134, there was training and navigational Tu-134SH with "Ruby" radar. For the Air Force mainly designed salon and staff versions of the aircraft. Code for NATO - Crusty (Grumpy).
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