[CORedneck]

On the Tu-95 Bear, that is one interesting plane. Counter rotating props, swept back wing and flies as fast as a jet airliner. I read on the plane and for its day, it was very fuel efficient and had a very long range.

[blackminorca]

yes and it has a radar image as big as Texas !

BWAHAHAHAHAHHA - what a great concept - target practice that gets great gas mileage!

[GonzoGOP]

On the TU-95
I read on the plane and for its day, it was very fuel efficient and had a very long range.

And you can hear it in a submerged submarine. The thing is so loud that it permanently deafens its crews. Also it is about 50km/h slower than a commercial airliner, with a cruise speed almost 150 km/h slower. Still blisteringly fast for a turbo prop, but not quite up to those of a true jet.

Bomb load and range are spectacular for this old bird. Makes a great first stage for cruise missiles, but it won't penetrate hostile air space.

[dusttoyou]

Yep that Bear is a heck of a bomber! So damn noisy with the counter-rotating props, it was easily detected and tracked by our subs. Great plane there!! sc/