Tupolev Tu-22 Blinder Photographed at Monino Air Force Museum on 24 August 2009. 32 Red, c/n 505001 shown preserved here was used for armament trials.
With performance roughly similar to that of the American B-58 Hustler, the Blinder (NATO designation) was capable of supersonic dash and cruises at high subsonic speeds, At least three major variants of the BLINDER entered operational service in the Soviet Air Forces — a free-fall bomber, an ASM carrier, and a photo/electronic reconnaissance variant.
The prototype first flew on 21 June 1958, but was subsequently extensively modified and upgraded.
Series production of the Tu-22 started at plant No.22 in Kazan in 1959, where more than 300 TU-22 bombers were built up to 1969. It entered operational service in 1962 and by 1970 there were 180 Blinder aircraft in LRA service.
2 engines, thrust each: 16500 kg, Crew: 3, Speed: 1640 km/h, Maximum altitude: 13,500 metres, Range: 5650 km, Take-off weight: 92,000 kg, Bomb load: up to 9,000 kg.
Picture added on 05 January 2010 at 16:25
