The Tu-95 Tupolev, also known as the Bear, is a strategic bomber and missile carrier aircraft that has been in service with the Russian military since the 1950s. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable aircraft of the Cold War era, and its distinctive shape and powerful engines make it a true symbol of Soviet military might.

The Tu-95 is a large, four-engine aircraft that is powered by four Kuznetsov NK-12 turboprop engines. These engines are among the most powerful turboprops ever built, and they give the Tu-95 a top speed of around 575 miles per hour (925 kilometers per hour) and a range of up to 9,400 miles (15,100 kilometers) without refueling. This impressive range is due in part to the aircraft's fuel efficiency, which is much higher than that of most jet engines.

One of the most distinctive features of the Tu-95 is its swept-back wings, which give the aircraft a distinctive shape and help to reduce drag and increase lift. The wings are mounted high on the fuselage, which allows for a large internal bomb bay and a flexible weapons loadout. The aircraft can carry a wide variety of bombs, missiles, and torpedoes, and it is also capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

The Tu-95 has been used in a variety of roles over the years, including as a strategic bomber, a maritime patrol aircraft, and a surveillance aircraft. It has been used to patrol the borders of Russia and to conduct reconnaissance missions over foreign territory, and it has also been used to launch cruise missiles at targets on land and at sea.

Despite its age, the Tu-95 remains an important part of the Russian military's strategic arsenal. It has been upgraded over the years with new avionics, engines, and weapons systems, and it is expected to remain in service for many years to come. The aircraft is also used by the Russian Navy as a maritime patrol aircraft, where it is used to monitor foreign naval activity and to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations.

In addition to its military roles, the Tu-95 has also been used in a variety of civilian roles. It has been used for scientific research, including atmospheric sampling and radiation monitoring, and it has also been used to support commercial activities such as oil exploration and seismic surveying.

Despite its many strengths, the Tu-95 is not without its weaknesses. Its large size and slow speed make it vulnerable to modern air defenses, and it lacks the stealth capabilities of more modern aircraft such as the B-2 Spirit. Its turboprop engines also produce a distinctive noise that can be easily detected by enemy radar, making it difficult to operate covertly.

In conclusion, the Tu-95 Tupolev is a remarkable aircraft that has played a major role in the history of military aviation. Its distinctive design, powerful engines, and long range have made it a formidable weapon in the hands of the Russian military, and its versatility and adaptability have allowed it to remain in service for many decades. Despite its age and limitations, the Tu-95 remains a potent symbol of Russian military power and a valuable asset in the country's defense arsenal.

General characteristics

Crew: 6–7; pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, communications system operator, navigator, tail gunner, plus sometimes another navigator.
Length: 46.2 m (151 ft 7 in)
Wingspan: 50.1 m (164 ft 4 in)
Height: 12.12 m (39 ft 9 in)
Wing area: 310 m2 (3,300 sq ft)
Empty weight: 90,000 kg (198,416 lb)
Gross weight: 171,000 kg (376,990 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 188,000 kg (414,469 lb)
Powerplant: 4 × Kuznetsov NK-12 turboprop engines 15,000 PS (15,000 hp; 11,000 kW)
Propellers: 8-bladed contra-rotating fully feathering constant-speed propellers
Performance

Maximum speed: 925 km/h (575 mph, 499 kn)
Cruise speed: 710 km/h (440 mph, 380 kn)
Range: 15,000 km (9,300 mi, 8,100 nmi)
Service ceiling: 13,716 m (45,000 ft)
Rate of climb: 10 m/s (2,000 ft/min)
Wing loading: 606 kg/m2 (124 lb/sq ft)
Power/mass: 0.235 kW/kg (0.143 hp/lb)
Armament
Guns: 2 × 23 mm (0.906 in) Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 autocannon in tail turret
Missiles: Up to 15,000 kg (33,000 lb), including the Kh-20, Kh-22, and Kh-55/101/102, or 8 Kh-101/102 cruise missiles mounted on underwing pylons.

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