On June 20, 1977, the long-range supersonic missile-carrying bomber with variable-sweep wings, the Tu-22M3, made its first flight

20 June 2026, 8:00

The aircraft was developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau.

The Tu-22M series aircraft are designed according to a conventional aerodynamic scheme with a low-mounted variable-sweep wing. The aircraft is mainly made of aluminum alloys, as well as high-strength and heat-resistant steels, titanium, and magnesium alloys. The wing consists of a fixed part and swinging panels. The sweep angle of the swinging panels ranges from 20 to 65.

The aircraft entered serial production in 1978. In its final form, the Tu-22M3 was adopted into service in March 1989.

A total of about 500 (yes, FIVE HUNDRED!) Tu-22M aircraft of various modifications were built at the Kazan Aviation Production Association.

In 2018, as part of a large-scale modernization program for strategic and long-range aviation complexes, the first deeply modernized missile-carrying bomber, the Tu-22M3M, was created.

As a result of the deep modernization, a new complex of modern digital onboard radio-electronic equipment based on domestically produced components was installed on the aircraft.

The overall result of the modernization was a significant expansion of the combat potential including increased combat effectiveness and extended combat radius.

This deeply modernized missile-carrying bomber Tu-22M3M made its first flight on December 28, 2018.

The Tu-22M3 and Tu-22M3M aircraft are actively involved in the special military operation and successfully complete the assigned tasks.

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