Tu-160: a museum piece or a miracle of technology?
A few days ago, the Russian strategic bomber bomber Tu-160 flew to Venezuela and back. These events did not go unnoticed and caused a reaction at the highest level. Officials and the press have started talking about the Russian technology and its capabilities. In this situation, the American edition of The National Interest could not stand aside, and also presented its vision of the problem. It attempted to establish what the Tu-160 aircraft actually are and whether they can pose a threat.
23 December The National Interest published a new article in the The Buzz column for Mark Episcopos’s authorship entitled “Introducing Said Tu-160 Bomber: Wonder Weapon or Obsolete?" weapon? "). The author noted in the subtitle: it is possible that we see the swan song “White Swan” in its original form, however, the Tu-160 platform will remain in service in the foreseeable future.
At the beginning of his article, M. Episkopos points to the reasons for its appearance. The Russian Tu-160 bomber, also known as the Belyy Lebed ("White Swan"), again turned out to be a cause for wave News. The reason for this was the Kremlin’s decision to send two such aircraft to Venezuela.
The author recalls that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is one of the largest recipients of Russian weapons and Russian aid. All this is allegedly taking place against the background of the steady deterioration of Russian-Venezuelan relations observed in recent decades. The American White House expressed opposition to the Kremlin’s actions, but US Ambassador to Colombia Kevin Whitaker went even further. He simply dismissed the Tu-160 as a museum piece. The ambassador said that the United States noticed the arrival of Russian bombers built in the eighties. But he added that airplanes of that period do not pose a threat; they seem to be taken from a museum.
As was to be expected, the Russian side reacted sharply to the statements of the American diplomat. Thus, the head of the Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Ministry of Defense, Major General Igor Konashenkov, commented on his statement in a rigid form. He expressed a desire to recall that since the creation of the Tu-160 bomber there have not been equal in NATO countries and in the United States in speed, armament, range, combat readiness and resistance to air defense. However, I. Konashenkov noted that the Tu-160 can be compared with a museum exhibit. However, in the sense that it is a masterpiece of domestic engineering in the field of aviation to the envy of ill-wishers and deserves only admiration.
Also, the commander of the Russian long-distance responded to statements by K. Whitaker aviation Lieutenant General Sergey Kobylash. He called the statements of the American ambassador unprofessional. The commander considers the reason for such statements to be the envy of Russian ill-wishers.
M. Episcopos rightly notes that when studying military equipment, a wide range of assessments can be applied, which lies between the “masterpiece” and the “museum relic”. In the current atmosphere of political differences and the active expression of their positions, it will be useful to remain calm and soberly assess the capabilities of the Tu-160 aircraft.
Initially, the American author proposes to recall that the age of technology has no direct connection with backwardness in operational qualities. As an example, he cites the American fighter F-16 Fighting Falcon. This multipurpose jet fighter appeared a decade earlier than the Tu-160, but it is an impressive or even frightening component of the US air force. These fighters will remain in service until the forties of the XXI century.
However, in the context of strategic bombers, such as the Tu-160, there is an important issue. Is it necessary to use the latest achievements of aviation science when developing such aircraft so that the finished sample can effectively solve its tasks? If we exclude questions of minimal maneuverability and controllability, then the answer to this question is no, it is not necessary.
Tu-160 is a threat for the reason that it is able to carry and deliver cruise missiles with nuclear warheads to the launch line. Its ammunition range includes X-55MS, X-555 and, more recently, X-102 missiles. The planes proved their capabilities as missile carriers throughout their entire service, and also confirmed them during the recent solving of real combat missions within the framework of the Syrian civil war.
However, all this, as the author believes, does not mean that the Tu-160 will continue to serve in the Russian air force over the next decades. At least, these planes will not continue to work in its current form. The Kremlin is actively engaged in the modernization of its combat aircraft built during the Soviet era. This update provides for the maximum preservation of existing elements and functions with the simultaneous integration of modern on-board equipment and weapons. Provides for the installation of new radars, guidance tools, stealth technology, communication systems, etc.
It is expected that the strategic missile carrier Tu-160 will also join this modernization program. In 2019, it is planned to put in the series its new modification Tu-160М2. In the course of a phased update, it is proposed to equip the aircraft with an updated NK-32 engine with increased fuel efficiency. Also, new radio-electronic equipment will be used, to a certain extent similar to the equipment of the existing Tu-160.
Commenting on the expected modernization of aviation technology, Mark Episcopos draws interesting conclusions. He believes that the appearance of a new modification of the Tu-160М2 bomber cannot be considered an admission of the shortcomings of the base Tu-160. On the contrary, it is a confirmation of the success of existing machines. Tu-160 over the past decades has served the Russian military air and aerospace forces well, and therefore the army does not intend to abandon it and look for a replacement. At the same time, it is planned to update the existing aircraft so that it more fully meets the requirements of modern warfare.
The author of The National Interest concludes his article with the thesis in the subtitle. In his opinion, it is likely that we are now witnessing a swan song of a bomber named “White Swan” in its first version. However, the platform Tu-160 will remain in service in the foreseeable future, having undergone certain changes.
***
It should be noted that in recent days, the publication The National Interest several times drew attention to the Russian Tu-160 aircraft. So, a day before M. Episkopos’s article, Michael Peck published the article “Russian Next Bomber Base: Venezuela?” (“The Next Russian Bomber Base: Venezuela?”), Devoted to the latest news and rumors surrounding the flight of Russian aircraft to Latin America. At the same time, the subtitle of the article by M. Peck pointed to the likelihood of placing the Tu-160 at Venezuelan airfields: "this will not happen, and that's why."
The reason for the publication was a new flight of Russian Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela. Two such vehicles recently arrived in Caracas, accompanied by military transport aircraft An-124 and passenger IL-62. The latter delivered to Venezuela the necessary materiel, diplomats and support personnel for working with aviation technology. Similar flights have already been carried out in the past, in 2008 and 2013. However, this time the flight took place against the background of tension associated with disputes around the Black and Japanese seas.
M. Peck noted that the issue of creating a permanent base of long-range aviation in Venezuela is being actively discussed in the Russian mass media. He tried to establish the likelihood of such a development, as well as the advantages and problems of such events. First of all, the author of The National Interest noted that the previous deployment of nuclear weapons carriers "in the backyard of America" led to the famous Caribbean crisis, and the US will react toughly to new such steps.
The recent flight of Russian aircraft to Venezuela was intended to demonstrate support for President Nicolas Maduro. His socialist and pro-Russian (or, at least, anti-American) government is now trying to maintain its power in the difficult conditions of a collapsing economy and a shortage of goods, jobs, etc. However, M. Peck doubts that the arrival of the aircraft makes sense. Venezuela needs food and money more than bombers or other weapons. However, the Venezuelan president claims that Russia has promised to allocate 6 billion to his country.
The American author notes a curious feature of the current situation. He believes that Russia, as in the days of the Cold War, is showing its weakness. It can help the allies militarily, but is not able to provide economic assistance.
However, much more interesting are the arguments of M. Pek about the deployment of Russian aircraft on South American airfields. Caracas and Miami are 1400 miles from each other: more than an 90-mile distance between Cuba and Florida. However, the distance will not affect the possible military response from the United States, followed by the deployment of Russian aircraft.
However, distances matter. The actions of Russian troops in Eastern Europe are to some extent facilitated by the fact that this region is located directly at the borders of Russia. At the same time, Russia does not have bases in two Americas and, accordingly, there are no opportunities for full support of the base in Venezuela. A way out of this situation could be Cuba, but it is far away, and in addition, the United States can block it again. It should also be noted that the current Cuban government is unlikely to want to resume “sparring” with Washington.
Michael Peck points out that the organization of a permanent base is not associated only with the irregular arrivals of the bombers. This requires sending aviation technicians to Venezuela to service the aircraft, as well as soldiers to protect them. You should also organize stocks of fuel, spare parts and, possibly, weapons. In addition, on the basis of the need to organize air defense in the form of fighters or anti-aircraft systems. If Venezuela fails to provide adequate protection to the air base, Russia will have to deal with this issue.
It is noted that the Russian military has become accustomed to the presence of troops of a potential enemy near its borders. US troops are constantly present in the Baltic States and provide support to the Ukrainian army. In this regard, Washington’s tough reaction to recent events in Moscow’s eyes looks like hypocrisy.
And yet, while the deployment of Russian bombers remains only a topic of discussion. Real steps in this direction are not being taken. In this regard, the author expresses the hope that the current situation will not change in the final of the article “Russia's Resource Bomber Base: Venezuela?”. M. Peck rightly notes that the most serious threats "in the backyard of America" can hardly lead to positive consequences.
***
The arrival of Russian strategic bomber-rocket carriers to Venezuela did not go unnoticed and attracted the attention of both the foreign press and officials. Only two aircraft capable of carrying cruise missiles with a nuclear warhead, made a lot of noise and became the reason for many statements, publications, etc. In addition, information appeared about the possibility of organizing the permanent duty of Tu-160 aircraft in the South American region, and this launched a new wave of articles and statements.
According to one estimate, Tu-160 bombers are “museum pieces”, while others point out the high potential of such equipment and its ability to influence the international situation. There is reason to believe that the potential of Russian long-range aviation in influencing the military-political situation is best shown by the consequences of the recent flight. The planes made a visit to a friendly country and immediately returned home, but this was enough for loud words and ratings. Perhaps, such consequences of the entire flight pair demonstrate the potential and capabilities of the Tu-160 better than any tabular data.
The article "Introducing Russia's Tu-160 Bomber: Wonder Weapon or Obsolete?":
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/introducing-russia%E2%80%99s-tu-160-bomber-wonder-weapon-or-obsolete-39642
Article "Russia's Next Bomber Base: Venezuela?":
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/russias-next-bomber-base-venezuela-39402
23 December The National Interest published a new article in the The Buzz column for Mark Episcopos’s authorship entitled “Introducing Said Tu-160 Bomber: Wonder Weapon or Obsolete?" weapon? "). The author noted in the subtitle: it is possible that we see the swan song “White Swan” in its original form, however, the Tu-160 platform will remain in service in the foreseeable future.
At the beginning of his article, M. Episkopos points to the reasons for its appearance. The Russian Tu-160 bomber, also known as the Belyy Lebed ("White Swan"), again turned out to be a cause for wave News. The reason for this was the Kremlin’s decision to send two such aircraft to Venezuela.
The author recalls that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is one of the largest recipients of Russian weapons and Russian aid. All this is allegedly taking place against the background of the steady deterioration of Russian-Venezuelan relations observed in recent decades. The American White House expressed opposition to the Kremlin’s actions, but US Ambassador to Colombia Kevin Whitaker went even further. He simply dismissed the Tu-160 as a museum piece. The ambassador said that the United States noticed the arrival of Russian bombers built in the eighties. But he added that airplanes of that period do not pose a threat; they seem to be taken from a museum.
As was to be expected, the Russian side reacted sharply to the statements of the American diplomat. Thus, the head of the Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Ministry of Defense, Major General Igor Konashenkov, commented on his statement in a rigid form. He expressed a desire to recall that since the creation of the Tu-160 bomber there have not been equal in NATO countries and in the United States in speed, armament, range, combat readiness and resistance to air defense. However, I. Konashenkov noted that the Tu-160 can be compared with a museum exhibit. However, in the sense that it is a masterpiece of domestic engineering in the field of aviation to the envy of ill-wishers and deserves only admiration.
Also, the commander of the Russian long-distance responded to statements by K. Whitaker aviation Lieutenant General Sergey Kobylash. He called the statements of the American ambassador unprofessional. The commander considers the reason for such statements to be the envy of Russian ill-wishers.
M. Episcopos rightly notes that when studying military equipment, a wide range of assessments can be applied, which lies between the “masterpiece” and the “museum relic”. In the current atmosphere of political differences and the active expression of their positions, it will be useful to remain calm and soberly assess the capabilities of the Tu-160 aircraft.
Initially, the American author proposes to recall that the age of technology has no direct connection with backwardness in operational qualities. As an example, he cites the American fighter F-16 Fighting Falcon. This multipurpose jet fighter appeared a decade earlier than the Tu-160, but it is an impressive or even frightening component of the US air force. These fighters will remain in service until the forties of the XXI century.
However, in the context of strategic bombers, such as the Tu-160, there is an important issue. Is it necessary to use the latest achievements of aviation science when developing such aircraft so that the finished sample can effectively solve its tasks? If we exclude questions of minimal maneuverability and controllability, then the answer to this question is no, it is not necessary.
Tu-160 is a threat for the reason that it is able to carry and deliver cruise missiles with nuclear warheads to the launch line. Its ammunition range includes X-55MS, X-555 and, more recently, X-102 missiles. The planes proved their capabilities as missile carriers throughout their entire service, and also confirmed them during the recent solving of real combat missions within the framework of the Syrian civil war.
However, all this, as the author believes, does not mean that the Tu-160 will continue to serve in the Russian air force over the next decades. At least, these planes will not continue to work in its current form. The Kremlin is actively engaged in the modernization of its combat aircraft built during the Soviet era. This update provides for the maximum preservation of existing elements and functions with the simultaneous integration of modern on-board equipment and weapons. Provides for the installation of new radars, guidance tools, stealth technology, communication systems, etc.
It is expected that the strategic missile carrier Tu-160 will also join this modernization program. In 2019, it is planned to put in the series its new modification Tu-160М2. In the course of a phased update, it is proposed to equip the aircraft with an updated NK-32 engine with increased fuel efficiency. Also, new radio-electronic equipment will be used, to a certain extent similar to the equipment of the existing Tu-160.
Commenting on the expected modernization of aviation technology, Mark Episcopos draws interesting conclusions. He believes that the appearance of a new modification of the Tu-160М2 bomber cannot be considered an admission of the shortcomings of the base Tu-160. On the contrary, it is a confirmation of the success of existing machines. Tu-160 over the past decades has served the Russian military air and aerospace forces well, and therefore the army does not intend to abandon it and look for a replacement. At the same time, it is planned to update the existing aircraft so that it more fully meets the requirements of modern warfare.
The author of The National Interest concludes his article with the thesis in the subtitle. In his opinion, it is likely that we are now witnessing a swan song of a bomber named “White Swan” in its first version. However, the platform Tu-160 will remain in service in the foreseeable future, having undergone certain changes.
***
It should be noted that in recent days, the publication The National Interest several times drew attention to the Russian Tu-160 aircraft. So, a day before M. Episkopos’s article, Michael Peck published the article “Russian Next Bomber Base: Venezuela?” (“The Next Russian Bomber Base: Venezuela?”), Devoted to the latest news and rumors surrounding the flight of Russian aircraft to Latin America. At the same time, the subtitle of the article by M. Peck pointed to the likelihood of placing the Tu-160 at Venezuelan airfields: "this will not happen, and that's why."
The reason for the publication was a new flight of Russian Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela. Two such vehicles recently arrived in Caracas, accompanied by military transport aircraft An-124 and passenger IL-62. The latter delivered to Venezuela the necessary materiel, diplomats and support personnel for working with aviation technology. Similar flights have already been carried out in the past, in 2008 and 2013. However, this time the flight took place against the background of tension associated with disputes around the Black and Japanese seas.
M. Peck noted that the issue of creating a permanent base of long-range aviation in Venezuela is being actively discussed in the Russian mass media. He tried to establish the likelihood of such a development, as well as the advantages and problems of such events. First of all, the author of The National Interest noted that the previous deployment of nuclear weapons carriers "in the backyard of America" led to the famous Caribbean crisis, and the US will react toughly to new such steps.
The recent flight of Russian aircraft to Venezuela was intended to demonstrate support for President Nicolas Maduro. His socialist and pro-Russian (or, at least, anti-American) government is now trying to maintain its power in the difficult conditions of a collapsing economy and a shortage of goods, jobs, etc. However, M. Peck doubts that the arrival of the aircraft makes sense. Venezuela needs food and money more than bombers or other weapons. However, the Venezuelan president claims that Russia has promised to allocate 6 billion to his country.
The American author notes a curious feature of the current situation. He believes that Russia, as in the days of the Cold War, is showing its weakness. It can help the allies militarily, but is not able to provide economic assistance.
However, much more interesting are the arguments of M. Pek about the deployment of Russian aircraft on South American airfields. Caracas and Miami are 1400 miles from each other: more than an 90-mile distance between Cuba and Florida. However, the distance will not affect the possible military response from the United States, followed by the deployment of Russian aircraft.
However, distances matter. The actions of Russian troops in Eastern Europe are to some extent facilitated by the fact that this region is located directly at the borders of Russia. At the same time, Russia does not have bases in two Americas and, accordingly, there are no opportunities for full support of the base in Venezuela. A way out of this situation could be Cuba, but it is far away, and in addition, the United States can block it again. It should also be noted that the current Cuban government is unlikely to want to resume “sparring” with Washington.
Michael Peck points out that the organization of a permanent base is not associated only with the irregular arrivals of the bombers. This requires sending aviation technicians to Venezuela to service the aircraft, as well as soldiers to protect them. You should also organize stocks of fuel, spare parts and, possibly, weapons. In addition, on the basis of the need to organize air defense in the form of fighters or anti-aircraft systems. If Venezuela fails to provide adequate protection to the air base, Russia will have to deal with this issue.
It is noted that the Russian military has become accustomed to the presence of troops of a potential enemy near its borders. US troops are constantly present in the Baltic States and provide support to the Ukrainian army. In this regard, Washington’s tough reaction to recent events in Moscow’s eyes looks like hypocrisy.
And yet, while the deployment of Russian bombers remains only a topic of discussion. Real steps in this direction are not being taken. In this regard, the author expresses the hope that the current situation will not change in the final of the article “Russia's Resource Bomber Base: Venezuela?”. M. Peck rightly notes that the most serious threats "in the backyard of America" can hardly lead to positive consequences.
***
The arrival of Russian strategic bomber-rocket carriers to Venezuela did not go unnoticed and attracted the attention of both the foreign press and officials. Only two aircraft capable of carrying cruise missiles with a nuclear warhead, made a lot of noise and became the reason for many statements, publications, etc. In addition, information appeared about the possibility of organizing the permanent duty of Tu-160 aircraft in the South American region, and this launched a new wave of articles and statements.
According to one estimate, Tu-160 bombers are “museum pieces”, while others point out the high potential of such equipment and its ability to influence the international situation. There is reason to believe that the potential of Russian long-range aviation in influencing the military-political situation is best shown by the consequences of the recent flight. The planes made a visit to a friendly country and immediately returned home, but this was enough for loud words and ratings. Perhaps, such consequences of the entire flight pair demonstrate the potential and capabilities of the Tu-160 better than any tabular data.
The article "Introducing Russia's Tu-160 Bomber: Wonder Weapon or Obsolete?":
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/introducing-russia%E2%80%99s-tu-160-bomber-wonder-weapon-or-obsolete-39642
Article "Russia's Next Bomber Base: Venezuela?":
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/russias-next-bomber-base-venezuela-39402
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