Immediately after the Second World War, the world has fundamentally re-division of spheres of influence.In the 50s of the last century formed two military blocs: NATO and Warsaw Pact countries, which all subsequent years in a state of continued conflict."Cold War", which was developed at the time, at any time, could escalate into open conflict, which would certainly have ended a nuclear war.
declining industries
Of course, in such circumstances could not start an arms race, when none of the players could not allow its backlog.In the early 60-ies of the Soviet Union was able to get ahead in the field of missile strategic weapons, while the US is clearly in the lead in the number and quality of long-range aircraft.There was a military parity.
Parish Khrushchev further aggravate the situation.He is so fond of missile technology, which is the root of "killed" many promising ideas in the field of conventional artillery and strategic bombers.Khrushchev believed that they were not much of a need of the USSR.As a result, the 70 th year in a situation where we have had only the old T-95 and some other machines.These aircraft, even hypothetically, could not overcome advanced air defense system likely opponent.
What are the strategic missile?
course, the presence of a powerful nuclear arsenal in missile performance was sufficient guarantee of peace, that's only possible to put a warning strike, or simply "hint" of the undesirability of the enemy follow with it was not.
situation was so serious that the country's leaders finally realized the need to develop a new strategic bomber.So begins the story of the famous Tu-160, the technical characteristics of which are described in this article.
Developers
Initially all the work assigned to deal with Sukhoi and myasishchev.Why, in this short list does not include the legendary Tupolev?It's simple: the company's management was not happy with Khrushchev, who had already managed to ruin several promising projects.Accordingly, Khrushchev himself as too good to "masterful" constructor.In short, the Tupolev was "irrelevant."
By the early 70s of the last century all the contestants presented their projects.Dry put on display M-4.The machine was impressive, affecting its performance.The disadvantage performed unless the cost: after all, full titanium housing is not cheap to do if they wanted to.EDO is Myasishcheva presented its M-18.For unknown reasons, there was connected with the Tupolev bureau "Project 70".
Winner
As a result, chose Sukhoi.Myasishcheva project was somehow homely, and the development of Tupolev and all seemed slightly redesigned civilian aircraft.And then came the Tu-160 specifications which still drives the creeps potential enemy?Here it is where the fun begins.
Since the Sukhoi Design Bureau was once commonplace to engage a new project (there is just creating the Su-27), and CB Myasishcheva for some reason removed (there are many ambiguities in general), the paper on the M-4 Tupolev passed.Here there are not only appreciated titanium case and turned their attention to the outsider - the M-18 project.It was he who was the basis for the design of the "White Swan".By the way, supersonic strategic bomber bomber with variable sweep wing, according to the codification of NATO is an entirely different name - Blackjack.
Basic specifications
Yet why so famous Tu-160?Technical characteristics of the aircraft is so dazzling that even in today's times the car does not look like "antiques" in the slightest.All the basic information we have given in the table, so make sure that you are able to.
| name characteristics | value |
| full wingspan (two points), meters | 55,7 / 35,6 |
| The length of the fuselage, meters | 54,1 |
| height fuselage meters | 13,1 |
| total bearing area of the wings, square meters | 232 |
| Weight empty machine, tons | 110 |
| mass of fuel (complete filling), tons | 171,1 |
| Gross take-off weight, tons | 275 |
| Engine | turbofans NK-32 |
| maximum thrust (afterburner / besforsazhny) | 4h137,2 kN / 4h245 kN |
| speed ceiling km/ h | 2200 |
| speed during landing, km / h | 260-300 |
| maximum height kilometers | 15 |
| Maximum rangeflight kilometers | 12300 |
| Range, km | 6000 |
| required length of the runway, meters | 2000 |
| Maximum weightmissile and bomb weapons, tons | 40 |
Not surprisingly, the very appearance of the Tu-160, the technical characteristics of which are described in the article, it was a very unpleasant surprise to many Western powers.This aircraft (assuming refueling) can "please" their appearance virtually any country.By the way speaking, in some foreign publishing machine called the D-160.Specifications - is good, but what exactly is armed with "White Swan"?It is not for pleasure trips as it was created ?!
Information about the bombing armament
Standard plenty of weapons, which can be placed in compartments inside the fuselage is 22,500 kilograms.In exceptional cases uelichit these figures up to 40 tonnes (this figure is shown in the table).The number of arms consists of two PU (launchers) drum, which can be continental and strategic missiles KR Kh-55 and Kh-55M.The other two are 12 drum PU aeroballistic UR X-15 (M = 5.0).
Thus, the performance characteristics of the Tu-160 suggest that after the upgrade, these machines will be in service of our army more than a dozen years.
allowed loading missiles with nuclear and non-nuclear warheads, KAB all possible types (up to KAB-1500).The bomb doors can be mounted conventional and nuclear bombs and mines of various types.Important!Under the fuselage can be installed booster "Burlak", which is used for launching light satellites.Thus, the Tu-160 is a real "flying fortress", armed so that you can kill a couple of other medium-sized countries in a single sortie.
Powerplant
Now let us remember what distance can overcome this machine.In connection with this immediately raises the question of the engines that make the world know the characteristics of the TU-160.Strategic bomber and this has become a unique phenomenon, since the development of its propulsion system was engaged not at KB, which was responsible for the design of the aircraft.
Initially planned to be used as motors NK-25, virtually identical to those that would be installed on Tu-22MZ.Traction performance characteristics have been quite satisfactory, only to fuel consumption needed to do something, because of any intercontinental flights with the "appetite" could not even dream of.Due to what has been achieved high performance missile carrier Tu-160, by which he is now considered one of the best tanks in the world?
Where did the new engine?
Just in time Design Bureau, headed by ND Kuznetsov, has started designing a fundamentally new jet engine NK-32 (it was created on the basis of already proven models HK-144, HK-144A).In contrast, the new power plant should have been much less fuel.Furthermore, it was planned that some important structural assemblies take from NK-25, which would reduce the cost of production.
you need to especially mention the fact that the plane itself is not cheap.Currently, the cost of one unit is estimated at 7.5 billion rubles.Accordingly, at the time when this promising car just created, it is worth even more.That is why it was built only 32 aircraft, and each had its own name, and not just side number.
specialists Tupolev immediately jumped at the opportunity, as it saves them from many of the problems that have arisen in the set when attempting to modify the engine from the old Tu-144.Thus, the situation was resolved to everyone's benefit: the Tu-160 had an excellent powerplant, CB Kuznetsova - valuable experience.Himself Tupolev got more time which could be spent on the development of other important systems.
basis fuselage
Unlike many other structural parts, wing "White Swan" was the Tu-22M.Virtually all parts are quite similar structurally, the only difference is the more powerful drives.Consider special case that is different Tu-160.Specifications spars are unique in that they were going to just seven monolithic panels, which are then hung on the center-beam assemblies.Actually, all around this structure and "building up" the rest of the fuselage.
central bar made of pure titanium, as only this material is able to withstand those loads, which during flight is subjected to a unique plane.By the way speaking, its production has been specially developed technology of electron beam welding in the environment of neutral gas, which is still extremely complex and expensive process, even without use titanium.
Wings
Development wing with variable geometry for the car of this size and weight was very non-trivial task.Difficulties began already with the fact that its creation was necessary to fundamentally change almost the entire production technology.State program, launched specifically for this, led by PV Dementiev.
order for all positions at the wing developed sufficient lift was used quite ingenious design.The main element of steel so-called "ridges".So-called side flaps, which could deviate, if necessary, helping to purchase the full sweep of the aircraft.Furthermore, in the case of changing the geometry of the wing it is "ridges" formed smooth transitions between the elements of the fuselage, reducing air resistance.
So Tu-160, tactical and technical characteristics which continue to amaze even today, owes its speed precisely this detail.
tailplane
As for the tail stabilizer, the final version of the designers decided to use the scheme with a two-keel.The basis is the lower, fixed part, which is attached directly to the stabilizer.The feature of this design is that it made the top is completely immobile.Why was this done?And to a very limited space as a mark elektrogidrousiliteli and drives deflected parts of the tail.
So came the Tu-160 (Blackjack).Description and specifications give a pretty good idea of this unique car, which is actually ahead of its time just a few years.Today, these aircraft upgraded under the special program: for the most part is a replacement of obsolete electronic equipment, navigation systems and weapons.In addition, increased engine life.
