Tuploev TU-22M3M Backfaire M3M Prototype RF-94267 (1:200)

Tuploev TU-22M3M Backfaire M3M Prototype RF-94267 (1:200) Description

More than 50 years after the prototype's first flight, the long-range bomber TU-22M still represents a serious weapon system. To ensure that it remains so for years to come, a modernization program is currently underway for some of the aircraft that are still operational. The modernizations will turn the bomber, which is powered by two powerful jet turbines, into the TU-22M3M, which made its maiden flight in prototype form in December 2018. A distinctive feature of the bomber is its wings, which can be adjusted from 20 to 65 degrees, and its good takeoff and landing characteristics, which allow economical cruise flight for a long range or fully retracted high speeds up to twice the sonic range. The TU-22M3 is also capable of launching cruise missiles against targets from long range, thus avoiding entering the dangerous range of enemy air defenses. By 1993 the manufacturer in Kazan had built 514 TU-22Ms of various series, most of them in the M3 variant. At least 60 of these still exist today, not all of them are operationally ready and not all of them will be able to be upgraded to the M3M standard. Those mainly include the use of improved navigation and communication systems.