Tupolev Tu-126
| Industry | Aerospace, Defence |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1922 |
| Founder | Andrei Tupolev |
| Headquarters | Moscow , Soviet Union |
| Products | Aircraft, including Tupolev Tu-126 airborne early warning and control platform |
The Tupolev Tu-126 (designated by NATO as Moss) was an airborne early warning and control platform created by the Tupolev bureau, based on the Tupolev Tu-114 airliner. This aircraft served within the Soviet Union military forces from 1965 until its retirement in 1984.
Design and development
Growing apprehension in 1958 regarding the possibility of a northern nuclear attack by the United States prompted the need for an airborne radar solution. This approach aimed to circumvent the difficulties and high costs associated with establishing a comprehensive land-based radar network along the vast Soviet Arctic coastline. Consequently, Tupolev was tasked with developing an AEW&C aircraft. Initial attempts to install the planned radar systems on the narrower fuselages of the Tu-95 and Tu-116 proved problematic. Ultimately, the broader fuselage of the Tupolev Tu-114 was selected, resolving issues related to cooling and operator space limitations present in earlier designs. To meet operational range demands, an air-to-air refuelling probe was incorporated. The Tu-126 operated with a crew of twelve and featured the Liana radar system (NATO codename Flap Jack) housed within a rotodome positioned atop the fuselage. However, lacking look-down radar capability diminished its effectiveness against low-altitude threats, especially after NATO adopted low-level penetration tactics.
The prototype of the Tu-126 took to the skies for its maiden flight on 23 January 1962. Subsequent testing through late 1964 revealed that while radar performance was reliable over maritime environments, it declined significantly over terrestrial terrain. Additionally, interference caused by the four engines’ large contra-rotating propellers adversely affected radar functionality. This issue was only partially mitigated by introducing an upgraded radar system named Shmel.
Operational history
Although the Tu-126 was introduced into service in 1965, Western intelligence only became aware of it in 1968 after its depiction in a Soviet documentary film. Between 1965 and 1968, eight production models were manufactured alongside the original prototype. All units were primarily stationed at Šiauliai Air Base. Western assessments suggested that its radar capabilities were inferior compared to Western counterparts, particularly in detecting low-flying small aircraft and cruise missiles. Nonetheless, the Tu-126 was believed to possess advanced electronic countermeasure systems. It served with the Soviet Air Force until it was supplanted by the Beriev A-50. The final Tu-126 was withdrawn from active duty in 1984.
Operators
Specifications (Tu-126)
See also
Notes
Bibliography
- Duffy, Paul and Kandalov, Andrei. Tupolev: The Man and His Aircraft. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife, 1996. ISBN 1-85310-728-X.
- Gunston, Bill. The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995. London: Osprey, 1995. ISBN 1-85532-405-9.
- Taylor, John W.R., ed. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89. Coulsden, Surrey, UK: Jane's Information Group, 1988. ISBN 0-7106-0867-5.
- Yefim Gordon, Dmitriy Kommisarov: Flight Craft 6: Il'yushin/Beriyev A-50. Pen & Sword Books Ltd, 2015, ISBN 978-1-4738-2391-4
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- Tupolev aircraft
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