Russia may revive Tu-160 'Blackjack' production
Nikolai Novichkov, Moscow - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
30 April 2015
Russia is considering restarting production of the Tu-160 'Blackjack' strategic bomber, with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu ordering a study into the possibility. Source: Tupolev
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has authorised a study to asses restarting production of the Tupolev Tu-160 'Blackjack' supersonic strategic bomber aircraft.
"We shall start to solve problems related not only to maintenance and modernisation of Long-range Aviation's (LRA) aircraft fleet, but also to Tu-160 production," Shoigu said during a visit to the S. Gorbunov Kazan aircraft plant, where the aircraft were built. He held a working session at the plant devoted to the recovery and support of the LRA fleet.
Shoigu stated that the Tu-160 "is a unique aircraft, that had a lead of several decades; its structural capabilities have yet to be realised to full extent".
The Russian Air Force (VVS) has 16 Tu-160 bombers in service. These are being upgraded to Tu-160M standard, as announced in 2012. Shoigu noted the benefits that the implementation of the contract to repair and upgrade LRA's aircraft fleet had made to the plant compared with his previous visit.
As part of the upgrade work, the VVS will receive two Tu-160M strategic bombers and 12 Tu-22M3 'Backfire-C' long-range bombers in 2015, according to the defence ministry's information department. By 2020 it should have received 10 upgraded Tu-160Ms.
Russia is currently developing a new-generation strategic bomber, known as the Prospective Aviation Complex for the LRA (PAK DA). Its first flight is scheduled to take place in 2019, with deliveries to begin in 2023-2025.
