Tupolev Tu-16 “Badger”
The Tupolev Tu-16 “Badger” is a twin-engine jet strategic bomber developed by the Soviet Union in the early 1950s. Entering service in 1954, the Tu-16 became the backbone of Soviet long-range aviation for decades and was widely exported. Its versatility allowed it to serve in roles such as bomber, maritime strike, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
Fact Sheet
| Role | Strategic Bomber / Maritime Strike |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Tupolev Design Bureau |
| First Flight | April 27, 1952 |
| Service Entry | 1954 |
| Crew | 6 |
| Number Built | ~1,509 |
Specifications
| Length | 34.8 m (114 ft 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 33.0 m (108 ft 3 in) |
| Height | 10.36 m (34 ft 0 in) |
| Wing Area | 165 m² (1,776 sq ft) |
| Empty Weight | 37,200 kg (82,012 lb) |
| Loaded Weight | 75,000 kg (165,347 lb) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 79,000 kg (174,165 lb) |
| Powerplant | 2 × Mikulin AM-3M-500 turbojets (21,830 lbf each) |
| Max Speed | 1,050 km/h (652 mph) |
| Cruise Speed | 800 km/h (497 mph) |
| Range | 7,200 km (4,474 mi) |
| Service Ceiling | 12,800 m (42,000 ft) |
Armament & Defensive Equipment
| Guns | 7 × 23 mm AM-23 autocannons (in tail, dorsal, and ventral turrets) |
|---|---|
| Bomb Load | Up to 9,000 kg (19,840 lb) of bombs, mines, or missiles |
| Aiming Equipment | Optical bombsight, radar navigation, electronic warfare systems |
Notable Features
- Backbone of Soviet long-range bomber force for decades
- Served in many roles: bomber, missile carrier, reconnaissance, electronic warfare
- Exported to China (as Xian H-6) and Egypt
- Robust, reliable, and widely used in the Cold War era
- Still in service in China as the H-6
The Tupolev Tu-16 (NATO reporting name: “Badger”) was a twin-engined jet strategic bomber and a cornerstone of Soviet airpower during the Cold War. First flown in 1952, the Tu-16 was a groundbreaking aircraft for the Soviet Union, as it was its first medium jet bomber with swept wings. It was a direct response to Western bombers like the U.S. B-47 Stratojet and the British V-bombers.
Design and Role
The Tu-16 was designed for a wide range of missions, initially as a high-altitude, nuclear-capable bomber. Its sleek design was powered by two Mikulin AM-3 turbojet engines, which at the time were among the most powerful jet engines in the world. The aircraft was typically operated by a crew of six and was heavily armed for self-defense with seven 23mm cannons in remote-controlled turrets, a feature that made it a difficult target for intercepting fighters.
However, the B-47’s combat history and the development of high-altitude surface-to-air missiles showed that a high-altitude bomber was vulnerable. The Tu-16’s role quickly evolved from free-fall bombing to a multi-mission platform, particularly as a launch aircraft for air-to-surface missiles. The most significant variants were adapted for:
- Anti-Shipping Missions: The Tu-16K-10 (“Badger-C”) was a naval version equipped with a nose-mounted radar to guide a massive AS-2 Kipper anti-ship missile. Later variants carried larger and more advanced missiles like the AS-6 Kingfish.
- Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare: The “Badger” was highly effective in reconnaissance and electronic intelligence (ELINT) roles, often flying patrols to monitor NATO naval movements. This led to numerous “intercept” incidents with U.S. Navy and other NATO fighters, which were often photographed or filmed.
- Aerial Refueling: It was used as a tanker to extend the range of other Soviet bombers. Early variants used a unique “wingtip-to-wingtip” refueling method.
Operational History and Longevity
Over 1,500 Tu-16s were built in the Soviet Union between 1954 and 1962. While the type was retired from Russian service in the early 1990s, its legacy of versatility and ruggedness is remarkable.
- Combat Experience: The Tu-16 saw combat with export customers, including in the Six-Day War of 1967 (with the Egyptian Air Force), the Yom Kippur War in 1973, and the Iran-Iraq War. The Soviet Union also used the Tu-16 in a limited capacity during the Soviet-Afghan War, but it was an aged platform by then.
- Export and Production: The Tu-16 was a major export success for the Soviet Union, serving in the air forces of Egypt, Indonesia, and Iraq.
- Chinese Longevity (Xi’an H-6): The most significant chapter in the Tu-16’s history is its licensed production in China as the Xi’an H-6. Production of the H-6 began in the late 1950s and, with continuous upgrades, it remains in active service with the Chinese Air Force today. This longevity is a testament to the fundamental soundness of the original design. Modern H-6 variants are equipped with advanced avionics, long-range cruise missiles, and turbojet engines, far removed from the original Cold War bomber.
