AircraftThe Russian Tupolev Tu-95 Bear, A Great VeteranA Russian Tu-95 Bear ‘H’ photographed from a RAF Typhoon Quick Reaction Alert aircraft (QRA) with 6 Squadron from RAF Leuchars in Scotland. Credit: By Photo: RAF/MOD, OGL v1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36739848There are few things Russian that I admire, but I’m not alone in admiring the Tupolev Tu-95 bomber, as well as the Antonov AN-2. The Tu-95 Bear is an iconic and distinctive aircraft and I’ve taken a close look at it, maybe nerdy even. Origins and DesignThe Tu-95, designed by the Soviet Union’s Tupolev Design Bureau, first took to the skies in 1952. During the Cold War, the Tu-95 was a key element of the Soviet Union’s nuclear triad, providing a credible and versatile platform for delivering nuclear strikes.

Source: The Guardian November 16, 2023 01:42 UTC