Russia to launch world's 'most powerful' bomber

The appearance of the modernized Tu-160M ​​differs slightly from the old Soviet-made aircraft. The main improvement: instead of the NK-32 three-shaft twin-circuit turbojet engine invented in 1983, it is now equipped with the more advanced, more economical and more powerful NK-32-02.

Thanks to its powerful engine, the Tu-160 still retains its position as the fastest bomber in the world - accelerating up to 2,200 km/h and easily leaving enemy fighters behind in close combat situations.

New supersonic strategic bomber Tu-160M ​​Peter Deinekin. Photo: AP

There are no detailed advertisements about the Tu-160's armament. However, the basic attack concept remains the same: the Kh-101 and Kh-102 cruise missiles. In addition, the "White Swan" can use long-range anti-ship missiles. And thanks to the special computing system on the SVP-24 Gefest platform, as on the Su-24 and Tu-22 bombers, unguided bombs will become weapons with high precision.

In addition, the Tu-160M ​​also possesses modern electronic equipment - protection, navigation, target designation, as well as elements of the automatic command and control system.
According to the data of the Russian Ministry of Defense, in terms of combat performance, the modernized "White Swan" will be one and a half to two times more superior than its previous modifications. What is more important is that the defense industry of modern Russia has demonstrated its ability to independently create such complex aircraft and equipment.

Currently, the Russian long-range aviation force has 16 "White Swans". In the future, the Tu-160 can be used in close coordination with prospective long-range aviation systems.

It is known that promising long-range aviation systems are built according to the "flying wing" scheme, when lift is created over almost the entire surface of the aircraft, which reduces the specific weight of the airframe and increases the payload. In addition, it reduces radar visibility, which has been confirmed in a series of tests.

Another source said that Russian experts are developing an attack complex based on a jet UAV, launched from the aircraft cabin. The UAVs will be able to independently detect the enemy, assign tasks to each other and penetrate the target area from multiple directions at the same time. Thanks to this, the "mother" aircraft does not even need to enter the enemy's air defense identification zone./.