Tupolev Tu-22M | Soviet aircraft | Britannica (original) (raw)
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development of strategic bombers
In bomber …actually a strategic bomber) and Tu-26 Backfire and the long-range B-1 and Tu-160 Blackjack, respectively. These planes were designed to slip under early-warning radar at low level and to approach military targets using terrain-following radars and inertial-guidance systems. They could carry gravity bombs (nuclear or conventional), air-launched cruise missiles, or… Read More
In military aircraft: Low-level penetration …low altitudes included the Soviet Tu-22 Backfire, the U.S. Rockwell International B-1, and the Tu-160 Blackjack. These bombers, supplementing the older purely subsonic aircraft, formed an important part of the U.S. and Soviet nuclear forces after their deployment in 1975, 1985, and 1988, respectively. In common with all first-line combat… Read More
In air warfare: Strategic bombing B-1 and the Soviet Tu-26 Backfire, were designed to avoid more sensitive electronic warning systems by penetrating enemy airspaces at extremely low altitude. Flying in groups was to be abandoned, since the large radar cross section and radio communication of several bombers would be easily detected. Instead, the new… Read More
