On December 23, Russia marked the Strategic...
are becoming obsolete, and will complement (and subsequently replace) the Tu-160.The specifications of the prospective plane are kept secret, but sources say it will be a crossover between the Tu-22M3 and the heavier and more expensive Tu-160.
Since it will be cheaper than the Tu-160, the Russian Air Force will be able to buy a sufficient number of the new planes to decommission the Tu-95MS and the Tu-22M3. In all 200 aircraft will be replaced, including those made for the Navy.
It is so far unclear when the new plane will be ready. It was said in the summer of 2009 that it should make its maiden flight in 2015 or 2016, but sources say the deadline could be shifted to 2012-2013. Mass production is expected to start in 2019 or 2020.
The new supersonic bomber will have stealth elements, carry cruise missiles, and have a sufficient range to reach targets in Eurasia, North Africa and possibly (with midair refueling) on other continents and in the outlying
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