Italeri 1/72 Tupolev TU-22M3 Backfire C # 1440

The Tupolev Tu-22M3, known by its NATO reporting name "Backfire C," is a supersonic, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber developed by the Soviet Union.

Introduced in the early 1980s as an evolution of the earlier Tu-22 and Tu-22M models, the Tu-22M3 is one of the most advanced and capable bombers in the Russian Air Force, designed to perform a wide range of missions, including strategic bombing, anti-ship attacks, and electronic warfare.

The Tu-22M3 features a sleek, variable-sweep wing design, which allows the aircraft to adjust its wing configuration for optimal performance at different speeds and altitudes.

This capability enables the bomber to achieve high speeds—up to Mach 2.05 at high altitude—while maintaining the agility needed for low-level penetration of enemy defenses.

The aircraft is powered by two powerful NK-25 afterburning turbofan engines, which provide the necessary thrust for its supersonic capabilities.

One of the key strengths of the Tu-22M3 is its versatility and formidable armament. The bomber can carry a variety of weapons, including nuclear and conventional bombs, air-to-surface missiles, and anti-ship missiles.

Notably, it is equipped to launch the Kh-22 (AS-4 "Kitchen") and later the Kh-32, which are long-range, supersonic anti-ship missiles designed to strike aircraft carriers and other large naval targets from a considerable distance.

This made the Tu-22M3 a significant threat to Western naval forces during the Cold War.

The Tu-22M3 also features advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems, which enhance its ability to operate in contested airspace.

These systems include radar, navigation aids, and countermeasures to protect against enemy missiles and radar detection.

In service, the Tu-22M3 has been a cornerstone of Russia's strategic bomber force. It has been deployed in various conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War, the Chechen Wars, and more recently, in the Syrian Civil War, where it was used to carry out precision strikes against insurgent targets.

Despite being a Cold War-era design, the Tu-22M3 has undergone several upgrades to remain relevant in modern warfare, and it continues to serve as a critical component of Russia's air power.

The Tu-22M3 "Backfire C" is a testament to Soviet and Russian aerospace engineering, combining speed, range, and firepower in a platform that has remained a formidable tool in strategic and tactical operations for decades.

Its continued use and modernization underscore its enduring value in the Russian military's arsenal.