Tu-22M3M

Tu-22M3M

Type: Tactical Bomber

Domain: air

Country of Origin: Russia

Manufacturer: Tupolev

First Deployed: 2020

Overview

The Tu-22M3M is the latest modernisation of the Backfire variable-sweep supersonic medium bomber. Powered by two NK-25 turbofans enabling Mach 1.88 dash speed and 6,800 km unrefuelled range, it carries up to three Kh-22/Kh-32 large supersonic anti-ship/land-attack missiles (max range 1,000 km for Kh-32), or conventional free-fall bombs. The M3M upgrade (completed 2020) adds SVP-24 Gefest precision bombing computer, modernised avionics, and Kh-32 compatibility. Approximately 60 aircraft serve across Russian Long-Range Aviation. Extensively employed in Ukraine for Kh-22/32 missile strikes and mass conventional bombing.

Technical Specifications

Crew4
TypeMedium-Range Supersonic Bomber
Length42.46 m
Engines2x NK-25 turbofan (245 kN AB each)
ArmamentKh-32 anti-ship/land attack, Kh-22, conventional bombs (up to 24,000 kg)
Wingspan23.3 m (fully swept)
Max SpeedMach 1.88 (1,997 km/h)
Combat Radius2,400 km
Service Ceiling13,300 m

Operators

Related air Weapon Systems