Posted on 06/10/2010 2:47:34 AM PDT by kronos77
Moscow: Two Russian Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers on Wednesday took off from their base in Engels in Volga region on a record 23-hour patrol during which they will cover a distance of 18,000 kilometres without touching the ground.
"We are expecting this mission to set a record because its duration will exceed the previous achievement by two hours and it would be of total of 23 hours, and its range will reach 18,000 kilometres," Air Force spokesman Lt Col Vladimir Drik was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.
A similar mission last year had lasted 21 hours.
The Tu-160 Blackjack is a supersonic, variable-geometry heavy bomber, designed to strike strategic targets with nuclear and conventional weapons deep in continental theatres of operation.
The bombers will fly along the Russian borders and over neutral waters of the Arctic and Pacific oceans. They will also practice instrumental flight and carry out in-flight refuelling from Il-78 aerial tankers.
Military experts say that the present mission of the Tu-160 bombers, mainstay of Russia's air component of nuclear triad, should be seen as part of the preparations for the forthcoming largest ever Vostok (East)-2010 war games in June-July in the eastern parts of the country.
The war games will involved flagships from all the fleets and entire military might to counter a possible Chinese attack.
PTI
Looks suspiciously like the B1 bomber.
Quite beautiful, awesome. I can understand the benefit of flying so far, long without need to land but refueling in mid-air is nevertheless the choice which most bombers stay aloft in achieving endurance flight records.
23 hours, eh? Heck, back during SAC’s glory years of the 1950s, B-36 and B-52 missions could last 40 hours or more.
I am pretty sure it was built after Jimmy Carter canceled the B-1.
They should have used zepelins. They’re almost as new and can stay up forever.
Very Impressive accomplishment, kudos are given because they were earned!
Totally different airplane though.
Americans will be getting a close up look at the entire Russian Tu-160 inventory in the near future.
They will also be able to see the Tu-160 demonstrate it’s combat capabilities.
“23 hours, eh? Heck, back during SAC’s glory years of the 1950s, B-36 and B-52 missions could last 40 hours or more.”
And the B-36 could do it without air-to-air refueling, just not as fast.
Well, I'm sure the Russian crew could hold out longer, but I think 23 hours is the TBO for the TU-160's engines.
Around the world, non-stop, in 94+ hours, starting February 26, 1949.
Over 60 years ago.
Doubt that this is directed at China, as Chinese observers will be present at this exercise. This is to simulate repulsing a United States attack against Russia.
PING.
This exercise is directed at the United States and friendlies in the Pacific theatre.
The SCO operations between Russia and China prove this.
And, I believe that China is holding their own games around that time as well.
Yeah, right! The friggin Russians and ChiComs have never been more closely allied! I can't understand why Jim Rob allows KGB Putin butt kissers/propagandists like kronos77 on here.
From the Sino-Russian Joint Statement of April 23, 1997:
"The two sides [China and Russia] shall, in the spirit of partnership, strive to promote the multipolarization of the world and the establishment of a new international order."
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/HI29Ag01.html
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"Joint war games are a logical outcome of the Sino-Russian Friendship and Cooperation Treaty signed in 2001, and reflect the shared worldview and growing economic ties between the two Eastern Hemisphere giants."
http://www.heritage.org/Press/Commentary/ed092605a.cfm
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Russia, China hold Peace Mission 2009 joint exercise
The exercise involves about 3,000 Russian and Chinese servicemen, nearly 300 units of army military equipment and over 40 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Photo: BMP-86A infantry fighting vehicles of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China.
http://en.rian.ru/photolents/20090724/155604547.html
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[2009] Russia, China plan new joint military exercises
By MARTIN SIEFF, UPI Senior News Analyst
Published: March 26, 2009
WASHINGTON, March 26 (UPI) -- The continuing tensions over Russia's refusal to sell its state-of-the-art land warfare advanced weapons systems to China hasn't interrupted the rhythm of major joint military exercises between the two major land powers on the Eurasian landmass. The latest in the regular, biennial series of exercises between the two nations has been confirmed for this summer.
The next in the now well-established series of exercises called Peace Mission 2009 will be carried out in northeastern China, the Russian Defense Ministry announced March 18, according to a report carried by the RIA Novosti news agency.
The first bilateral Peace Mission maneuvers -- described at the time as counter-terrorism exercises -- were held in Russia and the eastern Chinese province of Shandong in August 2005. As we reported at that time, they were a lot bigger than mere counter-terrorism exercises. Warships, squadrons of combat aircraft and more than 10,000 troops were involved carrying out landings against hypothetically hostile shores. The maneuvers also involved large-scale paratroops drops. The scale and nature of those exercises suggested a trial run for a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan with Russian support. ..."
http://www.upi.com/Security_Industry/2009/03/26/Russia_China_plan_new_joint_military_exercises/UPI-25021238094858/
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Russia, China flex muscles in joint war games
August 17, 2007
CHEBARKUL, Russia (Reuters) - Russia and China staged their biggest joint exercises on Friday but denied this show of military prowess could lead to the formation of a counterweight to NATO.
"Today's exercises are another step towards strengthening the relations between our countries, a step towards strengthening international peace and security, and first and foremost, the security of our peoples," Putin said.
Fighter jets swooped overhead, commandos jumped from helicopters on to rooftops and the boom of artillery shells shook the firing range in Russia's Ural mountains as two of the largest armies in the world were put through their paces.
The exercises take place against a backdrop of mounting rivalry between the West, and Russia and China for influence over Central Asia, a strategic region that has huge oil, gas and mineral resources.
Russia's growing assertiveness is also causing jitters in the West. Putin announced at the firing range that Russia was resuming Soviet-era sorties by its strategic bomber aircraft near NATO airspace.
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-29030120070817?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0
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War Games: Russia, China Grow Alliance
September 23, 2005
In foreign policy it’s critical to “know thine enemy.” So American policymakers should be aware that Russia and China are inching closer to identifying a common enemy — the United States.
The two would-be superpowers held unprecedented joint military exercises Aug. 18-25. Soothingly named “Peace Mission 2005,” the drills took place on the Shandong peninsula on the Yellow Sea, and included nearly 10,000 troops. Russian long-range bombers, the army, navy, air force, marine, airborne and logistics units from both countries were also involved.
Moscow and Beijing claim the maneuvers were aimed at combating terrorism, extremism and separatism (the last a veiled reference to Taiwan), but it’s clear they were an attempt to counter-balance American military might.
Joint war games are a logical outcome of the Sino-Russian Friendship and Cooperation Treaty signed in 2001, and reflect the shared worldview and growing economic ties between the two Eastern Hemisphere giants."
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