Russia may revive Tu-160 'Blackjack' production

[Zarvan]

Russia is considering restarting production of the Tu-160 'Blackjack' strategic bomber, with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu ordering a study into the possibility. Source: Tupolev
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has authorised a study to asses restarting production of the Tupolev Tu-160 'Blackjack' supersonic strategic bomber aircraft.

"We shall start to solve problems related not only to maintenance and modernisation of Long-range Aviation's (LRA) aircraft fleet, but also to Tu-160 production," Shoigu said during a visit to the S. Gorbunov Kazan aircraft plant, where the aircraft were built. He held a working session at the plant devoted to the recovery and support of the LRA fleet.

Shoigu stated that the Tu-160 "is a unique aircraft, that had a lead of several decades; its structural capabilities have yet to be realised to full extent".

The Russian Air Force (VVS) has 16 Tu-160 bombers in service. These are being upgraded to Tu-160M standard, as announced in 2012. Shoigu noted the benefits that the implementation of the contract to repair and upgrade LRA's aircraft fleet had made to the plant compared with his previous visit.

As part of the upgrade work, the VVS will receive two Tu-160M strategic bombers and 12 Tu-22M3 'Backfire-C' long-range bombers in 2015, according to the defence ministry's information department. By 2020 it should have received 10 upgraded Tu-160Ms.

Russia is currently developing a new-generation strategic bomber, known as the Prospective Aviation Complex for the LRA (PAK DA). Its first flight is scheduled to take place in 2019, with deliveries to begin in 2023-2025.

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Russia may revive Tu-160 'Blackjack' production - IHS Jane's 360

 

[IND151]

Russia is considering restarting production of the Tu-160 'Blackjack' strategic bomber, with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu ordering a study into the possibility. Source: Tupolev
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has authorised a study to asses restarting production of the Tupolev Tu-160 'Blackjack' supersonic strategic bomber aircraft.

"We shall start to solve problems related not only to maintenance and modernisation of Long-range Aviation's (LRA) aircraft fleet, but also to Tu-160 production," Shoigu said during a visit to the S. Gorbunov Kazan aircraft plant, where the aircraft were built. He held a working session at the plant devoted to the recovery and support of the LRA fleet.

Shoigu stated that the Tu-160 "is a unique aircraft, that had a lead of several decades; its structural capabilities have yet to be realised to full extent".

The Russian Air Force (VVS) has 16 Tu-160 bombers in service. These are being upgraded to Tu-160M standard, as announced in 2012. Shoigu noted the benefits that the implementation of the contract to repair and upgrade LRA's aircraft fleet had made to the plant compared with his previous visit.

As part of the upgrade work, the VVS will receive two Tu-160M strategic bombers and 12 Tu-22M3 'Backfire-C' long-range bombers in 2015, according to the defence ministry's information department. By 2020 it should have received 10 upgraded Tu-160Ms.

Russia is currently developing a new-generation strategic bomber, known as the Prospective Aviation Complex for the LRA (PAK DA). Its first flight is scheduled to take place in 2019, with deliveries to begin in 2023-2025.

Want to read more? For analysis on this article and access to all our insight content, please enquire about our subscription options ihs.com/contact




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(253 of 341 words)
Russia may revive Tu-160 'Blackjack' production - IHS Jane's 360

 

[Barmaley]

Russia is considering restarting production of the Tu-160 'Blackjack' strategic bomber, with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu ordering a study into the possibility. Source: Tupolev
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has authorised a study to asses restarting production of the Tupolev Tu-160 'Blackjack' supersonic strategic bomber aircraft.

It's not restarting production, but completing of two unfinished planes. There is also modernization program for Tu-160 which is ongoing right now. Remind you that the last Tu-160 was released in 2008.

There is no point to built big series of Tu-160 when first prototype of PAK-DA will make his first take off in 2019.

 

[Echo_419]

It's not restarting production, but completing of two unfinished planes. There is also modernization program for Tu-160 which is ongoing right now. Remind you that the last Tu-160 was released in 2008.

There is no point to built big series of Tu-160 when first prototype of PAK-DA will make his first take off in 2019.

Was gonna say this no point in restarting the production since Pak-DA is near

 

[SOHEIL]

Pak-DA is near !?

 

[Barmaley]

Was gonna say this no point in restarting the production since Pak-DA is near

According to plans, Tu-160 will be re-motorized and receive new built NK-32 engines. So the Tu-160 will be in service for another 15-20 years.
The main problem is that conception of long-range super sonic bombers(Tu-160, B-1B) are outdated and aren't perspective anymore. Since developing of super-sonic cruise missiles (with 3M speed) and in near future hypersonic cruise missiles (5>M speed) and developing of air-defence systems.

So such bombers aren't perspective weapons of future.