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Descended indirectly from the American Boeing B-29 via the Tupolev Tu-4, refined Tu-80 and larger Tu-85, the Tu-95 was developed for use by the Soviet Union's DA (Long-Range Aviation) as an intercontinental strategic bomber - a role in which the latest variants still serve. Design of the Tu-95 version began before 1952, its overall configuration being similar to that of the Tu-16 although of much larger size and powered by four Kuznetsov NK-12 turboprop engines, the bench-testing of which started in 1953. First flown in prototype form during 1954, the aircraft was allocated the service designation Tu-20, but this soon lapsed into disuse. Tu-20s began to enter service with the DA bomber force in 1955. In an age when turbojets and turbofans are the major power source for first-line military aircraft, it seems almost unbelievable that the Tu-95, allocated the reporting name 'Bear' by NATO, has remained in operational use for almost 40 years. Nevertheless, its turboprop powerplant gives remarkably high speed and, at the same time, long range and endurance.
Additionally, the large size of the Tu-95 has permitted the carriage of extensive radar equipment and the largest Soviet air-to-surface missiles and bombs. The designation Tu-142 is applied to new-build maritime reconnaissance versions for the AV-MF. Production was suspended by President Yeltsin as a unilateral arms limitation measure.
| CREW | 10 |
| ENGINE | 4 x turbo-prop NK-12M, 11030kW |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 185000 kg | 407857 lb |
| Empty weight | 94400 kg | 208117 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 51.0 m | 167 ft 4 in |
| Length | 49.0 m | 161 ft 9 in |
| Height | 13.0 m | 43 ft 8 in |
| Wing area | 310.0 m2 | 3336.81 sq ft |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 860 km/h | 534 mph |
| Cruise speed | 710 km/h | 441 mph |
| Ceiling | 11000 m | 36100 ft |
| Range w/max.fuel | 15000 km | 9321 miles |
| ARMAMENT | 2-6 x 23mm cannons, 20000kg of bombs |
| Martin, TREngineering=msn.com, 07.08.2012 Where to buy old and used NK-12 engines? russian surplus or other sellers in that area? (they donīt need to be functional just mechanical in order to be overhauled for use)
Thanks
Martin | | Charles, cjaneke=aol.com, 02.01.2012 I am interested in a T-95 as a hypersonic/experimental launching platform. I can be contacted via email or tel 213-880-1454 (USA). The turbo torque and extended landing gear is unique for the application. | | Gene Day, genefday=comcast.net, 02.02.2011 The Tu-95 has very high ultimate performance and long range but not both. At high speed the propellor tips are supersonic, creating shock waves and dropping fuel efficiency sharply. Its remarkable range is for much lower speeds. As a commercial airliner all the passengers would require hearing protection. This plane is LOUD. | | Sgt.KAR98, 26.05.2010 I would like to get your Tu-95.If I had money... | | the-world-of-aircraft.blogspot, 27.04.2010 double propeller makes the aircraft remains stable at low speed.so the aircraft can release unguided bombs, more accurate. | | Kiril, chochkov=aero-x.eu, 05.04.2010 I have one demilitarized Tu-95 for sale. Contact me for more information.
E-mail: chochkov@aero-x.eu | | Ray, raykay743=yahoo.com, 05.08.2008 The double props serves as Anti-torque making the aircraft more maneuverable and give it faster forward propulsion but with the high cost of jet fuel. turbo fan jet engines would perhaps be move economical; in the long run | | Moishe Garfinkle, garfinkm=drexel.edu, 04.07.2008 Why hasn't any airframe munfactures designed a modern turboprop airliner with the Tu95 outstanding bipass ratio, considering the the engine and props were designed almost a half century ago? The TU 95 cetainly has modern airliner performance. | | Stefan, stefanro2000=yahoo.com, 07.09.2007 Better propulsion, actually the resulted propulsion of double propeller is impressive.
Stefan | | harry eliasw, harryelias=shaw.ca, 06.09.2007 what is the significance of the double propeller?
thanks
Harry |
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Do you have any comments about this aircraft ?
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