[El Gato]

The TU-95, a variant-upgrade of the TU-142

Actually it's the other way 'round. The Tu-95, Bear A, was first seen in the mid 1950s, although the first prototype flew in November of 1952. The TU-142 is a Maritime recon version, with lots of radomes, depending on the variant. It first flew as an upgraded Tu-95RTS in 1968, the Tu-95RTS itself having first flown in Sept. of 1962. The changes from the RTS version were enough to earn it a new designation.

[gonzo]

"... Actually it's the other way 'round. The Tu-95, Bear A, was first seen in the mid 1950s, although the first prototype flew in November of 1952. The TU-142 is a Maritime recon version, with lots of radomes, depending on the variant. It first flew as an upgraded Tu-95RTS in 1968, the Tu-95RTS itself having first flown in Sept. of 1962. The changes from the RTS version were enough to earn it a new designation..."

Roger that! I mixed them up - shoulda read more. Great link BTW. Thanks!

I think I'll check with you and Tommyjo before I post about aircraft again. I srewed up a pic of the British Nimrod the same way a while back. ...............FRegards