Tu-22 Blinder
Posted on 02/26/2012 8:10:48 PM PST by U-238
Russia is upgrading 30 of its Tu-22M3 bombers to the Tu-22M3M standard. The first of the M3M models recently entered service. This new version has improved electronics, is able to deliver smart bombs, and has in-flight refueling capabilities restored. Other components of upgraded aircraft were refurbished as needed. This is expected to keep these 30 Tu-22M3Ms in service for another decade or more. All 30 upgrades will not be completed until the end of the decade. A decade ago Russia had over a hundred Tu-22M3 "Backfire" bombers in service. Or so it was claimed, as these aircraft didn't fly much. When the Cold War ended in 1991, over 300 were still in service. About 500 were produced between 1969 and 1993. The Tu-22M saw combat in Afghanistan, where it carpet bombed areas thought to contain Afghan rebels. Some were also used in the 2008 war with Georgia. Efforts to find export customers failed.
(Excerpt) Read more at strategypage.com ...
Who pays for all this?
Russian scientists are going to Iran,China,etc because they pay much more for their services.
Who pays? Well you see, Russia drills for Gas and Oil when they find it. They are the leading suppier of Gas to the EU. They mine all kinds of minerals too,,like gold. They are working on a gold backed trade currency because of gas to the EU. Who wants a stack of fiat Euros that they can inflate away? And they have a 10% easily understandable flat tax.
They are not burdened by an Obama.
“the Tu-22M saw combat in Afghanistan, where it carpet bombed areas thought to contain Afghan rebels.”
I like a happy story before bed.
The Tu-22M Backfire is not the is not the Tu-22 Blinder. The Soviets renamed a much more advanced project to get around the SALT treaty.
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