Planned as a nuclear bomber to attack targets in the USA, the first Tu-95 prototype took to the air in 1952 for operational service in 1956. It was the first and only propeller driven swept-wing aircraft, and is the fastest turboprop aircraft ever built. Reconnaissance variants also exist.
Prime contractor: Tupolev Design Bureau
Nation of origin: Soviet Union
Function: Intercontinental heavy bomber
Crew: 7
Year: 1952
In-service year: 1956
Engine: Four Kuznetsov NK-12MV turboprops, 14,795 shp each
Dimensions
Wing span: 51.1 m / 167 ft 8 in
Length: 49.5 m / 162 ft 5 in
Height: 12.12 m / 39 ft 9 in
Weight: 198,415 lb empty / 414,470 lb max. take off
Ceiling: 39,370 ft / 29,850 ft with max weapon load
Speed: 925 km/h / 575 mph
Range: 12,550 km / 7,800 miles
Armament: One or two AM-23 23mm cannons in tail turret, plus up to 16 cruise missiles and various conventional and nuclear bombs
Current available pictures:
(640x428x16m - 37K)
Tu-95 'Bear' with Tornado F.3 escort