Tupolev Tu-16: Versatile Cold War Bomber

by Dmitriy Komissarov, Yefim Gordon, Vladimir Rigmant

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 The book features many hitherto unpublished photos.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764354183
• ISBN13: 9780764354182
• Release Date: November 2017
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 5.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 8.9" x 11.3"