Tupolev Tu-95

The Tupolev Tu-95 (Russian: Туполев Ту-95; NATO reporting name: "Bear") is a large, four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and missile platform. First flown in 1952, the Tu-95 entered service with the Soviet Union in 1956 and is expected to serve the Russian Air Force until at least 2040. A development of the bomber for maritime patrol is designated Tu-142, while a passenger airliner derivative was called Tu-114.

The aircraft has four Kuznetsov NK-12 engines with contra-rotating propellers. It is the only propeller-powered strategic bomber still in operational use today. The Tu-95 is one of the loudest military aircraft, particularly because the tips of the propeller blades move faster than the speed of sound. Its distinctive swept-back wings are at a 35° angle. The Tu-95 is one of very few mass-produced propeller-driven aircraft with swept wings.

Users

 * Russia
 * Russian Air Force
 * Ukraine
 * Ukrainian Air Force - former operator

Related Development

 * Tupolev Tu-114 - Airliner variant
 * Tupolev Tu-126 - AWACS variant
 * Tupolev Tu-142 - Maritime Patrol variant

Comparable Aircraft

 * Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
 * Xian H-6