The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) aircraft manufacturing company rolled out its upgraded Tu-22M3M supersonic strike bomber on 16 August.
According to local media, the advanced variant of Russian Tu-22M3 supersonic strike bomber rolled out at Kazan’s Gorbunov Aviation Plant.
“The first prototype Tu-22MZM was created within the framework of the large-scale modernization program for strategic and long-range aviation systems, currently being carried out by PJSC “Tupolev” (part of the UAC) The next stage of the program is the deep modernization of the first batch of Tu-22M3 combat aircraft,” the head of Tupolev, Alexander Konyukhov said.
The updated bomber designed to counter sea and ground targets at a distance of up to 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles) by guided missiles and aviation bombs.
The new Tu-22M3M bomber also has an artificial intelligence. Such a statement was made by Sergey Kobylash, commander of Russia’s long-range aviation.
“The capabilities of this aircraft are impressive and far superior to all similar foreign-made units,” also noted Sergey Kobylash.
In the process of profound upgrade the Tupolev-22M3M was equipped with the newest on-board digital radio-electronic equipment made of domestically manufactured components. In particular, the plane boasts new navigation, communication and targeting equipment, new engine and fuel consumption control systems and radio-electronic warfare means
The replacement of 80% of radio-electronics has improved the accuracy of navigation and automation of the plane’s control and made its maintenance simpler and easier. The on-board radio-electronic equipment of Tupolev-22M3M and Tupolev-160M are similar and compatible.
The result of this work was a significant expansion of the combat potential of the aviation complex, including increasing combat effectiveness and increasing the combat radius of the aircraft.
Tupolev chief executive Alexander Konyukhov said about 30 of Russia’s 100 Tu-22M3 would be upgraded to the newer model by 2020 and the rest later on, along with brand new planes being built.
