The Tupolev Tu-22 was the first supersonic bomber to enter production in the Soviet Union. Manufactured by Tupolev, the Tu-22 entered service with Long-Range Aviation and Soviet Naval Aviation in the 1960s.
The aircraft was a disappointment, lacking both the speed and range that had been expected. It was also a difficult design to fly and maintain. It was produced in small numbers, especially compared to the Tupolev Tu-16 it was designed to replace. The aircraft was later adapted for other roles, notably as the Tu-22R reconnaissance aircraft and as a carrier for the long-range Kh-22 antiship missile.
Variants[]
- Tu-22B: Original free-fall bomber variant. Only 15 built, ultimately used mostly for training or test purposes.
- Tu-22K: Missile-carrier version built from 1965, equipped to launch the Raduga Kh-22 (AS-4 Kitchen) missile.
- Tu-22KD: Version of Tu-22K with refueling equipment.
- Tu-22KP: Electronic warfare / bomber version, introduced circa 1968, carrying the Kh-22P anti-radiation missile.
- Tu-22KPD: Version of Tu-22KP with refueling equipment.
- Tu-22P: Electronic warfare/ELINT version.
- Tu-22PD: Version of Tu-22P with refueling equipment.
- Tu-22R: Reconnaissance aircraft, retaining bombing capability
- Tu-22RD: Version of Tu-22R with refueling equipment.
- Tu-22RK: Reconnaissance aircraft, retaining bombing capability and fitted with Kub ELINT systems during the 1970s.
- Tu-22RDK: Version of Tu-22RK with refueling equipment.
- Tu-22RDM: Upgraded reconnaissance version, converted from earlier RD aircraft in the early 1980s, with instruments in a detachable container.
- Tu-22U: Trainer version.
- Tu-22UD: Version of Tu-22U with refueling equipment.
