Tupolev gevechtsvliegtuigen: boeken - historie en techniek

Tupolev Tu-160 : Soviet Strike Force Spearhead

Developed as the answer to the American B-1, the Tupolev Tu-160 was the Soviet Union's most potent strategic bomber. Several project versions were rejected, and a highly controversial contest involving some of the Soviet Union's top-class aircraft design companies took place before the Tu-160 variable-geometry bomber reached the hardware stage.
Its design made use of many advanced features not used previously on Soviet bombers. While being a nuclear deterrent for most of its career, the Tu-160 has recently seen actual combat in the war on terrorism.

The Tu-160 story is not over yet, since Russia is now resuming production of the type to bolster its strategic potential.
The book gives the type's complete development, test and service history of the Tu-160, including such intriguing episodes as the type's overseas deployment to Venezuela, and the flight of a Tu-160 with Russian President Vladimir Putin aboard. It is richly illustrated with color photos and original factory drawings. A comparison is made of the Tu-160 and its American counterpart, the B-1.

Tupolev Tu-2 : The Forgotten Medium Bomber

Although one of the best medium bombers of the Second World War - fast, tough and with an excellent bomb load - the Tu-2 is little known in the West. "Tu-2: The Forgotten Medium Bomber" provides a comprehensive history of this important aeroplane, complete with its developmental history in the war and its post-war history with the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact countries.

First produced in 1942, the Tu-2's initial production ended in the same year, then as its combat capabilities became clear, it was reinstated into production. Because of the stop in production, the Tu-2 was not used in large numbers until the last year of the war where it proved to be extremely useful.
With the end of hostilities, the Tu-2 continued to be developed into additional variants, including an all-weather fighter. In addition to its service in the war, it saw action in the Korean War with the Chinese Air Force.

This essential book also features stunning colour profiles of the Tu-2 with its wartime and post-war service with the Red Air Force and other nations. Uniquely illustrated with over 125 images - many previously unpublished - and stunningly accurate colour profiles, this book is essential reading for Second World War historians, aviation enthusiasts and modellers alike.

Tupolev Tu-4 - The First Soviet Strategic Bomber

After World War II, the Soviet Union and the USA, who had been allies in the war, started moving towards political and military confrontation. The Soviet Union urgently needed a strategic bomber capable of striking at the USA.
Thus, the windfall of three battle-damaged B-29s forced to land in Soviet territory was most welcome. The Soviet Union kept them; a huge reverse-engineering effort ensued, resulting in a Soviet copy of the Superfortress (the Tu-4) and a major technology boost to the Soviet aircraft and avionics industries.

From then on, the "Soviet Superfortress" evolved independently, some of the Tu-4 versions having no direct U.S. equivalent. These included the Tu-4K missile carrier, a wing-to-wing flight refueling tanker, and the Tu-4T transport. The Tu-4A was the first Soviet nuclear-capable bomber.
Experimental versions included engine testbeds, a towed escort fighter program, and more.

The book also describes the Tu-4's production and service history (including service in China - the only nation besides the USSR to operate the type) and touches on the Tu-4's transport derivatives, the Tu-70 airliner, and the Tu-75 military airlifter. The book is illustrated with many color side views and hitherto unpublished photographs.

Tupolev Tu-16 : Versatile Cold War Bomber

Developed to meet a Soviet Ministry of Defense requirement for a fast bomber that would counter the threat posed by NATO, the Tu-16 was a ground-breaking project.
It was the first Soviet medium bomber to feature swept wings, and it was built around a pair of turbojets that were the world's most powerful jet engines at the time. First flown in 1952, the Tu-16 filled such roles as nuclear bomb delivery, missile strike, reconnaissance, and Electronic Counter Measures.

It also served as the basis for the first Soviet jet airliner, the Tu-104. Nearly 1,500 were built for the Soviet Air Force and the Soviet Navy, and the Tu-16 showed remarkable longevity, the final examples being retired in 1993. The type saw quite a bit of combat from the Six-Days War of 1967 to the Afghan War.

The Tu-16 was also produced in China and remains in Chinese service to this day. All known versions are described, as is the Tu-16's operational career. The book features many hitherto unpublished photos.

Tupolev Tu-22 Blinder - Supersonic Bomber, Attack, Maritime Patrol and Electronic Countermeasures Aircraft

This Russian historic aircraft was first delivered to the Soviet Air Force at the height of the Cold War in 1961. It remained in service until replaced by the much modified Tu-22M Backfire which was introduced in the early 1970s and still remains in service. It was the first Soviet supersonic bomber and was used for reconnaissance and bombing, in the latter role carrying either conventional or nuclear bombs.
The early aircraft had a range of 1,800 miles but later models had a much increased radius of action through the introduction of in-flight refuelling.

This book looks at the design and development of the aircraft up to the introduction of the type M Backfire. Details of construction, weapon systems, photo-reconnaissance and jamming equipment are included to cover the several variant models.
Operational use is explained and the text includes many first-hand accounts from Russian aircrew of the period. The book will be superbly illustrated by unique official photographs and manuals.