Tupolev Tu-16
| Company type | Military aircraft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Predecessor | Tupolev Tu-4 |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Founder | Tupolev Design Bureau |
| Fate | Phased out of Soviet service by 1993; licensed production continues in China |
| Successor | Tupolev Tu-22, Tupolev Tu-22M |
| Headquarters | Kazan, Kuybyshev (now Samara), Voronezh (production locations) , Soviet Union |
Area served | Soviet Union, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq and others |
Key people | Andrei Tupolev (designer) |
| Products | Strategic heavy bomber aircraft |
| Owner | Soviet Union (originally), People's Republic of China (licensed production) |
| Parent | Tupolev Design Bureau |
The Tupolev Tu-16 (known by the USAF/DOD as Type 39; NATO reporting name: Badger) is a twin-engine jet-powered strategic heavy bomber developed and operated by the Soviet Union. It has maintained operational status for nearly seven decades. Although many Soviet aircraft were phased out following the Cold War, the Chinese-built licensed model, the Xi'an H-6, remains active within the People's Liberation Army Air Force, with its latest variant, the H-6K, still undergoing production as of as of 2020[update].
Development
During the late 1940s, the Soviet leadership prioritized achieving strategic bombing capabilities on par with those of the United States. At that time, their sole long-range bomber was Tupolev's Tu-4 "Bull", a reverse-engineered version of the American B-29 Superfortress. The emergence of the powerful Mikulin AM-3 turbojet engine opened opportunities for designing a large jet-powered bomber.
Work commenced in 1950 at Tupolev design bureau on prototypes designated Tu-88 ("Aircraft N"). The first flight occurred on 27 April 1952. After outperforming the competing Ilyushin Il-46, it received production approval in December 1952. The initial production models were delivered to Soviet Frontal Aviation in 1954 and designated Tu-16. NATO assigned it the code name Badger-A.
Featuring a new large swept-wing design and powered by two substantial Mikulin AM-3 turbojets mounted in each wing root, the aircraft was capable of carrying a single enormous FAB-9000 bomb weighing 9,000 kg (20,000 lb)—comparable in size to the British Grand Slam bomb but conventional rather than a penetrator—or various nuclear payloads. Its operational range extended to approximately 4,800 km (3,000 mi). Production was distributed among three factories: Kazan Aircraft Production Association, Aviakor (Kuybyshev), and Voronezh Aircraft Production Association.
Though initially designed as a high-altitude free-fall bomber, by the mid-1950s, it had been modified to deploy early Soviet cruise missiles. The Tu-16KS-1 (NATO: Badger-B) variant could carry the AS-1 missile with a combat radius near 1,800 km (1,100 mi). These large missiles resembled the aerodynamic profile of a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 fighter and could be armed with either nuclear or conventional warheads, boasting a range around 140 km (85 mi). Their primary mission was targeting US Navy aircraft carriers and other significant surface vessels. Successive Tu-16 models were adapted to accommodate more advanced missile systems, accompanied by multiple redesignations.
The Tu-16’s adaptable platform led to numerous specialized variants tailored for aerial reconnaissance, maritime patrol, electronic intelligence (ELINT), and electronic warfare (ECM). A total of 1,507 units were produced across three Soviet manufacturing plants between 1954 and 1962. A civilian derivative known as the Tupolev Tu-104 served as a passenger airliner under Aeroflot. Beyond Soviet use, the aircraft was exported to nations including Indonesia, Egypt, and Iraq. It remained operational within Soviet and later Russian air and naval aviation until its retirement in 1993.
China began receiving deliveries of the Tu-16 starting in 1958 and subsequently produced licensed versions through the Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation under the designation Xian H-6. At least 120 remain active today. Notably, on 14 May 1965, a Chinese PLAAF Tu-16 conducted China's first airborne nuclear weapon test.
Variants
The principal production models of the Badger series included the Tu-16 and Tu-16A bombers, missile carriers such as the Tu-16KS and Tu-16K-10, ECM platforms like the Tu-16SPS, "Elka," and Tu-16Ye, reconnaissance aircraft designated Tu-16R, and torpedo bombers labeled Tu-16T. Many additional variants emerged through conversions, with individual aircraft often undergoing multiple modifications and corresponding designation changes, particularly among missile-equipped types.
- "Aircraft 88" – The original prototype.
- "Aircraft 97" – A development project for a twin-engine long-range bomber based on the Tu-16, powered by two RD-5 engines.
- "Aircraft 103" – A supersonic bomber concept derived from the Tu-16, utilizing four VD-7 AM-13 engines.
- Badger A (Tu-16) – The foundational Tu-16 bomber model introduced in 1954, intended to replace the Tu-4. Numerous modified forms existed under this designation in Western nomenclature.
- Tu-16A – A primary variant adapted to carry nuclear bombs, with 453 units produced. Many were later converted into other models.
- Tu-16Z – An early specialized tanker version capable of wing-to-wing refueling while maintaining its medium bomber functions.
- Tu-16G (Tu-104G) – A fast air mail transport and Aeroflot crew training version.
- Tu-16N – A dedicated tanker configured for Tu-22/Tu-22M bombers featuring a probe-and-drogue refueling system; introduced in 1963. The similar Tu-16NN was converted from the Tu-16Z.
- Tu-16T – A limited-run maritime strike torpedo bomber serving in Soviet Naval Aviation, equipped to carry torpedoes, naval mines, and depth charges; 76 produced with additional conversions. All were eventually converted into the Tu-16S configuration.
- Tu-16S – Configured as a lifeboat carrier for search and rescue missions.
- Tu-16Ye – Outfitted with advanced electronic warfare and electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems.
- Badger B (Tu-16KS) – Developed as a platform to launch two AS-1 Kennel/KS-1 Komet missiles. Produced between 1954 and 1958 with 107 units, it served in Soviet Naval Aviation, Egypt, and Indonesia. Soviet examples were later upgraded with newer missile systems.
- Badger C (Tu-16K-10) – Another Naval Aviation variant designed to carry a single AS-2 Kipper/K-10S anti-ship missile. Produced from 1958 to 1963 with 216 units built. Distinguished by a nose-mounted radar. An advanced version, the Tu-16K-10-26, carried one K-10S and two KSR-2 or KSR-5 AS-6 Kingfish missiles (forming the K-26 missile complex). Some were subsequently converted into ELINT platforms.
- Badger D (Tu-16RM-1) – A maritime reconnaissance variant equipped with ELINT gear; 23 aircraft converted from Tu-16K-10s. Retained nose radar and could direct K-10S missiles launched by other aircraft.
- Badger E (Tu-16R) – Reconnaissance version primarily intended for maritime patrols, fitted with ELINT equipment and capable of guiding KS missiles.
- Tu-16RM-2 – Modified naval aviation version of the Tu-16R able to guide KSR-2 missiles.
- Tu-16KRM – Adapted as launch platforms for target drones; a variant based on the Tu-16K–26.
- Badger F (Tu‑16RM‑2) – Another reconnaissance model derived from the −16R/RM series but enhanced with external ELINT apparatus.
- Badger G (Tu‑16K/Tu‑16KSR) – Naval Aviation conversions from earlier types designed to carry internal bombs alongside externally mounted air-to-surface missiles such as the AS‑5 Kelt and AS‑6 Kingfish. Numerous variants existed distinguished by their missile complexes—K‑11, K‑16, and K‑26—or by specific missiles within those complexes (KSR‑11, KSR‑2, KSR‑5). Further modifications added suffixes to designations. Key variants include:
- Tu‑16KSR‑2 – Equipped with the K‑16 complex carrying two KSR‑2 missiles; operational since 1962. Similar conversions were labeled Tu‑16K‑16.
- Tu‑16K‑11‑16 – Capable of carrying either the K‑11 complex (two anti-radar KSR‑11 missiles) or the K‑16 complex (two KSR‑2 missiles), used from 1962 onward. Comparable aircraft bore the designation Tu‑16KSR‑2‑11. Over 440 units could deploy either complex.
- Tu‑16K‑26 – Armed with the K‑26 complex featuring two KSR‑5 missiles while retaining compatibility with KSR‑2 and KSR‑11 missiles; introduced in 1969. Similar models were known as Tu‑16KSR‑2‑5‑11 or Tu‑16KSR‑2‑5 (lacking KSR‑11 capability). More than 240 aircraft carried this complex.
- Tu‑16K‑26P – Equipped with two anti-radar KSR‑5P missiles along with standard KSR variants (5, 2, or 11).
- Badger H (Tu–16 Elka) – Developed for stand-off electronic warfare and countermeasure support roles.
- Badger J (Tu–16P Buket) – An electronic warfare model configured as an ECM strike escort platform.
- Badger K (Tu–16Ye) – Presumed to be an enhanced ELINT-capable version of the Badger F variant.
- Badger L (Tu–16P) – A later iteration of Badger J incorporating upgraded systems for ELINT missions.
- "Aircraft 90" – A turboprop-powered concept project.
- Tu–104 – Civilian airliner adaptation derived from this airframe.
Former operators
- Armenian Air Force: Acquired 30 units following the Soviet Union's dissolution. All were phased out by 1995.
- Azerbaijan Air Force: Inherited 10 aircraft after the Soviet breakup, with all retired by 1995.
- Belarus Air Force: Obtained 18 aircraft after the Soviet collapse; these were withdrawn from service by 1995.
- People's Liberation Army Air Force: Procured a limited number of Tu-16s in 1959, which subsequently led to licensed production as the Xian H-6.
- Egyptian Air Force: Operated multiple variants including Tu-16KS, Tu-16T, Tu-16KSR-2-11, and Tu-16R, alongside the H-6. The fleet was retired in 2000. By 1966, three squadrons formed Air Group 65 based at Cairo West Air Base: No. 34 and No. 36 Squadrons flew bomber models, while No. 95 Squadron operated Tu-16KS capable of deploying AS-1 Kennel air-to-surface missiles.
- Georgian Air Force: Took possession of 20 aircraft from the Soviet Union and retired them by 1995.
- Indonesian Air Force: Operated a fleet consisting of 12 Tu-16 bombers, 12 Tu-16KS-1 models, and 2 reconnaissance Tu-16Rs. The initial delivery occurred in 1961. These aircraft participated in preparations for Operation Trikora in 1962 and were active during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation from 1963 to 1966. The bomber and reconnaissance variants were assigned to the 41st Air Squadron, while the KS-1 variant was flown by the 42nd Air Squadron. Their primary base was Iswahyudi Air Force Base in Madiun, East Java. All units were grounded in 1969 and officially removed from duty by 1970.
- Iraqi Air Force: Maintained a fleet of eight Tu-16 bombers and six Tu-16KSR-2-11 aircraft, as well as four B-6D (H-6D) models. One B-6D was lost during the Iran-Iraq conflict, and two were destroyed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
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- Withdrawn from active military service by 1995. A small number remained operational with design bureaus and manufacturers for testing purposes until final retirement between 2001 and 2002.
- Soviet Air Force (aircraft transferred to successor states)
- Soviet Naval Aviation (aircraft transferred to successor states)
- Ukrainian Air Force: Inherited a total of 121 aircraft from the USSR, all of which have since been retired from service.
Noteworthy Incidents
- On 25 May 1968, a Tu-16 Badger-F from the Soviet Air Force, piloted by Colonel Andrey Pliyev, conducted low-altitude passes over the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9) in the Norwegian Sea. During its fourth pass, the aircraft's wing contacted the water, causing it to crash with no survivors. The US recovered parts of three crew members from the wreckage.[1][2]
- A modified Tu-16 testbed aircraft crashed on 1 February 1971 during jet engine trials, claiming the lives of all crew on board, including esteemed test pilot Amet-khan Sultan.[3]
- On 28 August 1978, an early variant of the Tu-16 crashed on Hopen Island in Svalbard, Norway, resulting in the deaths of all seven crew members. The wreckage was discovered by a Norwegian meteorological team composed of four individuals. The Soviet Union initially denied any loss until the remains were repatriated. Despite Soviet objections, Norwegian authorities copied data from the flight recorder.[4][5][6]
- A Soviet Air Force Tu-16 Badger operating a Tokyo Express mission crashed near Komatsu Air Base in Ishikawa Prefecture over the Sea of Japan on 27 June 1980. All crew perished in the accident. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel Nemuro recovered remains of three crew members.
Specifications (Tu-16)
See also
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Footnotes
- ↑ "Russ bomber falls in sea near U.S. ship May 26, 1968" Archived August 14, 2017, at the Wayback Machine Chicago Tribune Retrieved August 14, 2017
- ↑ ASN Aircraft Accident 27-May-1968 Tupolev Tu-16 Badger Archived 2017-08-14 at the Wayback Machine Aviation Safety Network Retrieved August 14, 2017
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ "Soviet Union Military Plane Crashes in Norway", Facts On File World News Digest, October 27, 1978 Archived May 6, 2018, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved August 15, 2017
- ↑ Svalbard Arctic out post at strategic crossroads September 9, 1980 Archived August 15, 2017, at the Wayback Machine The Christian Science Monitor Retrieved August 15, 2017
- ↑ Umbreit, Andreas Bradt Svalbard: Spitzbergen with Frank Josef Land & Jan Mayen page 132 Archived 2023-07-15 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved August 15, 2017
Bibliography
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- Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces, edited by Pavel Podvig, The MIT Press, 2001.
- Soviet Military Power: 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988 editions
- Ту-16. Ракетно-бомбовый ударный комплекс Советских ВВС, part of the Voyna v Vozduhye series no. 26
- EDISI KOLEKSI ANGKASA, RUDAL UDARA TRACKED AND DESTROYED, September 2006 issue
External links
- FAS overview of the Tu-16
- Xian H-6 Badger details
- H-6 Medium Bomber information
- http://airwar.ru/ – Ugolok Neba (in Russian)
- Coverage of H-6H and H-6K Cruise Missile Bombers at AirForceWorld.com
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- 1950s Soviet bomber aircraft
- Tupolev aircraft
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- Aircraft first flown in 1952
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