Tu-95MS

The first version called Tu-95M, Bear-A NATO name, was introduced in 1956. The Soviet Air Force also referred to this version as Tu-20. The Tu-95U, Bear-T NATO name, aircraft was intended to provide training for bomber pilots. The Tu-95K, Bear-B NATO name, was equipped with a nose mounted radar and designed to release standoff weapons instead of free fall bombs due to new developments of air defense systems in the late 1950s. The Bear-B was armed with a single Kh-20 cruise missile. The Tu-95KD were K models equipped with air refueling probes. The Tu-95KM, Bear-C, was provided with ELINT capability. The Tu-95K-22, Bear-G, was armed with two Kh-22 cruise missiles and improved electronic warfare capabilities. The Tu-95RT Bear-D introduced in the 1960s was an ELINT and reconnaissance aircraft. The TU-95MR Bear-E is also a reconnaissance version derived from surplus Tu-95M aircraft. The Tu-95MS, Bear-H NATO name, is a new version introduced in the early 1980s equipped with more powerful NK-12MV engines, a new cockpit and improved airframe proven on the Tu-142M Bear-F maritime patrol aircraft. The Tu-95MS was designed to carry up to 16 Kh-55 cruise missiles equipped with nuclear warhead. The Tu-95MS-6 refers a configuration with six Kh-55 missiles in a rotary launcher inside the weapons bay. The Tu-95MS-16 is fitted with external weapon stations loading 16 Kh-15 supersonic standoff missiles. The rear fuselage mounted GSh-23L 23mm cannon turret provides self-defense against airborne threats. After the collapse of the former Soviet Union, Russia and Ukraine became the only operators for the Tu-95 aircraft. The Tu-95MS is the only variant in active duty with the Russian Air Force. As of 2010, the Russian Air Force is upgrading its existing Tu-95MS fleet with improved avionics and new weapons to carry out both strategic and conventional bombing missions. The Kh-101 and Kh-102 cruise missiles are part of the new weaponry developed for the upgraded bombers which may remain operational at least until 2020-2025.

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