Tupolev Tu-85

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The Tupolev Tu-85 (NATO reporting name: "Barge") was a final refined version of the Tu-4, overcoming the shortcomings of the aircraft especially with regards to range, creating a true intercontinental strategic bomber. Only two machines were built, with the first flying on 9 January 1951. In the course of tests, an intercontinental flight range of 11,700 km (7,312 miles) was achieved with a bomb payload of five tonnes. However, by then it was already vulnerable to US jet fighters. The aircraft was thus not produced and the focus was shifted towards higher performance strategic bombers such as the turbojet-powered Tu-16 'Badger' and the turbo-prop Tu-95 'Bear'.

[edit] Specifications (Tu-85)

General characteristics

  • Crew: 12
  • Length: 39.91 m (130 ft 11 in)
  • Wingspan: 56.00 m (183 ft 8 in)
  • Height: 10.58 m (34 ft 8 in)
  • Wing area: 274 m² (2,948 ft²)
  • Empty weight: 54,711 kg (120,364 lb)
  • Loaded weight: 76,000 kg (167,200 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 107,000 kg (235,400 lb)
  • Powerplant: 4× Dobrynin VD-4K radial engines, 3,200 kW (4,300 hp) each

Performance

Armament

  • Guns: 10× 23 mm Nudelman NS-23 cannons, two each in four turrets and tail barbette
  • Bombs: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb)

[edit] See also

Related development

Comparable aircraft