“White swan” - Russian supersonic aircraft
Largest swan: length 54 m, equipped mass 267 tons, maximum takeoff weight - 275 tons. Wingspan with minimum sweepback (20 degrees) - 57,7 m, intermediate (35 degrees) - 50,7 m, maximum (65 degrees) - 35,6 m
The largest supersonic aircraft in the world. Most terrible bomber, capable of bearing cruise missiles. And the most graceful weapon. We examine Tu-160 from all sides. According to the NATO classification, these strategic bombers bear the name Black Jack (but in American slang - bludgeon). However, our pilots baptized them white swans - and this greater name is similar to the truth. In spite of terrible armament and staggering power, supersonic Tu-160 is surprisingly elegant.
The bomber became "our answer" to the American program AMSA (Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft - developed manned strategic aircraft), within the framework which was developed B -1 Lancer. Practically according to all characteristics Tu-160 substantially anticipates its basic competitors - American Lancer OV. The speed of swans is higher 1,5 times, so is more combat radius and maximum flying distance. The engine thrust is more powerful almost doubly. And in no way comparable to them is the invisible B -2 Spirit, including load capacity, the stability of flight and distance.
After the dissolution of the USSR those location of Tu-160 was divided between the republics. 19 of them were based on the air base 84-GO of guard bomber air regiment in Prilukakh and went to the Ukraine. Eight of them were sent to Russia to pay for gas debts, and rest were simply sawn up (the last Ukrainian swan was converted into the museum, and it is possible to visit it in Poltava).
