Tupolev Tu-143
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1922 |
| Headquarters | Moscow , Russia |
The Tupolev Tu-143, known as Reys (meaning Cruise, Russian: Рейс; also spelled Reis, Rejs), was an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft deployed by the Soviet Army and several of its Warsaw Pact allies, as well as Middle Eastern partners, throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Equipped with a reconnaissance pod that was retrieved post-mission, it provided photographic intelligence after recovery.[1]
Development
Entering service in 1976, the Tu-143 bore a strong resemblance to the larger Tupolev Tu-141, albeit significantly downsized. Designed as a tactical reconnaissance platform with a range of approximately 60–70 kilometers, it was capable of low-altitude flight. The vehicle was launched from a truck using JATO assistance and recovered via parachute after completing its mission. Propulsion was provided by a TR3-117 turbojet engine generating 5.8 kN (590 kgf, 1300 lbf) of thrust. Early models utilized film-based cameras for imagery collection; subsequent variants incorporated television systems or radiation detection equipment for signals intelligence purposes, transmitting data to ground stations through a datalink. Production totaled around 950 units during the 1970s and 1980s.
Operational use
The Tu-143 was actively employed by Syria for reconnaissance flights over Israel and Lebanon amid the 1982 Lebanon War, as well as by Soviet forces during the conflict in Afghanistan throughout the Soviet–Afghan War.
In the context of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian forces reportedly utilized these drones to identify Russian air defense positions and occasionally as improvised cruise missile substitutes.[2] On June 29, 2022, a Tu-143 loaded with explosives was intercepted and destroyed over Kursk Oblast.[3]
During the ongoing Israel–Hezbollah conflict, Israeli authorities reported neutralizing a Hezbollah "DR-3 cruise missile," which they identified through imagery matching that of the Tupolev Tu-143.[4]
M-143 variant
During the mid-1980s, a target drone model known as the M-143 was introduced.
Tu-243 variant
In the late 1990s, the Tu-143 was succeeded by the enhanced "Tu-243 Reys-D," which featured a 25 cm (10 inch) lengthened fuselage to increase fuel capacity and approximately double its operational range. This variant was equipped with an upgraded TR3-117 engine delivering 6.28 kN (640 kgf, 1,410 lbf) of thrust and incorporated advancements in low-altitude navigation systems.
Tu-300 variant
Beginning in 1995, Tupolev advanced the development of the "Tu-300 Korshun," a more sophisticated iteration resembling earlier models but distinguished by a nose antenna dome and nose fairings designed for modern sensors and electronic equipment. Additionally, it included a central pylon to mount either a sensor pod or armaments. Although financial constraints halted progress by the late 1990s, development efforts recommenced in 2007.
Current operators
- Template:BLRTemplate:Fix/category[citation needed]
- Template:PRK[5]
- Template:RUS: Utilized as targets as of 2016.
- Template:SYR: Acquired VR-3 units in 1984.
- Template:UKR
- Hezbollah (operates under the designation DR-3)
Former operators
- Template:BUL: No longer in service.
- Template:CZE: Operated VR-3 Rejs until retirement in 1995.
- Template:CZS: Received two squadrons in 1984.
- Template:Country data Republic of Iraq
- Template:ROM: Employed VR-3 from 1987 through early 2000s.
- Template:SVK: VR-3 Rejs retired.
- Template:USSR: Equipment transferred to successor nations.
Specifications
Tupolev TU-143 Reys:
- wingspan: 2.24 m (7 ft 4 in)
- length: 8.06 m (26 ft 5 in)
- height: 1.54 m (5 ft 1 in)
- launch weight: 1,230 kg (2,710 lb)
- top speed: 950 km/h (515 kn, 590 mph)
- propulsion: Klimov turbojet TR3-117
- operational ceiling: 5,000 m (16,400 ft)
- operational range: 200 km (110 nmi, 125 mi)
References
This entry includes content originally sourced from the web article Template:Usurped by Greg Goebel, which is in the Public Domain.
- ↑ The Encyclopedia of the Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Political, Social, and Military History: A Political, Social, and Military History, ABC-CLIO, 12 May 2008, by Spencer C. Tucker, Priscilla Mary Roberts, page 1055
- ↑ "Cheering Its Own Misery – Why Did Ukraine 'Celebrate' Downing Of Its Own Tupolev Tu-143 Drone By Russia?". April 18, 2022.
- ↑ "Cruise Missile or Suicide Drone – Russia Shoots Down Invading Tu-143 Inside Its Airspace With Buk Missile". July 1, 2022.
- ↑ Altman, Howard; Rogoway, Tyler (23 September 2024). "Hezbollah Converted Soviet Tu-143 Jet Recon Drone Into Cruise Missile Says IDF, Just Like Ukraine". The War Zone. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ↑ Chun 2016, pp. 46−47.
Bibliography
- Zaloga, Steven J. (20 July 2011). Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Robotic Air Warfare 1917–2007. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84603-786-3.
- Chun, In-Bum (2016). "Chapter 3: North Korea's Offset Strategy". Breakthrough on the Peninsula: Third Offset Strategies and the Future Defense of Korea. Center for a New American Security: 39–49.
External links
- Czech Tu-143/VR-3 Rejs displayed in museum featuring transport vehicle and launcher