The most complete book published on this aircraft that fascinates all
aviation enthusiasts
The Tupolev Tu-22 'Blinder' and Tu-22M 'Backfire' led the
Soviet Union's supersonic bomber air force
from the 1960s, although the two aircraft were very different. The Tu-22 -
nicknamed 'Blinder' by NATO - was the pioneering supersonic bomber in the
USSR, entering production in 1960.
The first Tu-22B aircraft entered Soviet service in 1962 and the aircraft
continued into production until 1969 through several variants, including
reconnaissance and electronic warfare versions. The aircraft was a mixed success
as its performance compared unfavourably the Tu-16, particularly in combat
radius and weapon-load capability, but it continued in service after the fall of
the Soviet Union, seeing active service during the war against Afghanistan. It was also sold abroad
to Libya and Iraq.
The Tu-22M 'Backfire' was developed by Tupolev during the 1960s when
the Tu-22's shortcomings became apparent. The variable geometry wings in the new
design improved performance considerably and the new aircraft entered into
service in 1972 in the strategic bomber role and it was used in this capacity in
the 1979-1989 war against Afghanistan. The changes from the
earlier aircraft design caused debate in the West that this was actually a
completely new aircraft and not a successor to the Tu-22, and therefore not
permissible under the arms treaties of the time. It also flew for the Soviet
navy as a long-range anti-shipping interceptor. Although production ended in
1993 it continues to be in active service with the Russian air force and navy,
and has been used in recent local conflicts, and also with the Ukraine
armed forces.
Yefim's Gordon's unparalleled access to information on Russian
aviation makes this the most complete book published on this fascinating
aircraft * The Tu-22 - nicknamed 'Blinder' by NATO - was the pioneering
supersonic bomber in the Soviet Union * Although production ended in 1993 it
continues to be in active service with the Russian air force and navy, and has
been used in recent local conflicts
Available July
2012
