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Tupolev TU-160: Meet the supersonic titanium jet developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The model is known as the nuclear 'White Swan' and can reach speeds of up to 2,2 km/h.
The titanium supersonic jet, Tupolev – TU-160, known as Nuclear 'White Swan', is one of the greatest marvels of aeronautical engineering. This gigantic supersonic jet, capable of reaching speeds of over 2.200 km/h, holds the title of the largest supersonic aircraft ever built by the Air Force. With an impressive record of over 25 hours in the air, the TU-160 is a true symbol of power and innovation.
A little history of the titanium supersonic jet
Since its development, during the Cold War until its continued modernization, the Russian Air Force's nuclear-powered 'White Swan' has a rich and fascinating history. The combination of advanced design, such as variable-sweep wings, and cutting-edge materials, like titanium, made this bomber a milestone in aviation.
During the height of the Cold War in the 1960s, the United States Air Force (USAF) introduced the world's first supersonic nuclear bomber, the B-58 Hustler. Less than 15 years later, in 1974, the B-1 Lancer appeared, a much larger, also supersonic, bomber with sufficient range to strike targets in the heart of the Soviet Union.
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In this context, the Soviets began developing a supersonic bomber with intercontinental range. The project was led by designer Andrei Tupolev and chief designer Valentin Bliznyuk.
The Soviets decided to adopt a variable-sweep wing configuration for the TU-160 titanium supersonic jet. This design allowed for takeoffs with greater weight, i.e. more weapons and fuel, resulting in greater range.
During flight, the nuclear 'White Swan's' wings could be set to medium sweep, saving fuel at subsonic speeds. In the final phase, the wings were set to maximum sweep, allowing supersonic flight at over 2.200 km/h, reducing the time it was exposed to enemy defences.
Differences between the Soviet Union's TU-160
The implementation of movable wings on an aircraft the size of the TU-160 by Soviet military engineering required several technological innovations, especially regarding the materials used. Titanium, known for its lightness and high strength, was widely used, particularly in the nuclear-powered 'White Swan' center section, including the movable wing connection box.
The Kazan plant developed unique welding techniques to work with these parts. The size of the titanium supersonic jet also required the creation of a specific engine, the NK-32 afterburning turbofan, capable of generating a maximum thrust of approximately 55 lbf.
To give you an idea, the power of a single NK-21 is equivalent to the maximum power of three Brazilian Air Force Gripen fighters. The TU-160 is equipped with four of these engines, which use special fuel.
When was the titanium supersonic jet launched?
The first prototype of the nuclear-powered 'White Swan' flew on 18 December 1981, and the first production model was completed in October 1984. However, the aircraft did not enter service with the Soviet Air Force until mid-1987, shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
At that time, only 22 Tu-160s were in service, and production was halted in 1994 due to the chaos of the end of the Soviet regime.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Tu-160 fleet was divided between Russia and Ukraine. In 1999, Ukraine negotiated the handover of the TU-160s in its military possession to Russia as part of an agreement to pay off energy debts.
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Shall we put the correct photo, referring to the matter in question?
With this speed, you could invent peace and sharing to end hunger and racism!!!!!