Overview

Strategic bombing had proved decisive in helping the Western allies bring Nazi Germany to its knees during the Second World War but the Soviet Union had never developed an equivalent capability – an oversight it would rapidly address as the cold war began in earnest. Immense efforts to reverse-engineer interned American B-29 Superfortresses resulted in the fearsome Tupolev Tu-4 – and heralded a bold new era of heavy bomber design in Russia and across the Soviet Union. Within a few short years, the advanced swept-wing Tu-16 jet bomber, codenamed Badger by NATO had made its first flight. This was swiftly followed by the legendary turboprop-powered Tu-95, codenamed Bear, which remains a symbol of Russian air power today. Less than a decade later, the Soviet Union was flying the mighty long-range Myasishchev M-4 Bison and the supersonic Tu-22 Blinder, both of which raised grave concerns in the West when their existence became known. By the early 1970s, the highly capable Tu-22M Backfire had joined the Soviet arsenal and then, as the Iron Curtain fell and the world changed, so too did Russian bomber technology. Secret advancements in stealth and precision strike capabilities led to the creation of the Tu-160 Blackjack, a supersonic behemoth capable of carrying a devastating payload of cruise missiles. But the story doesn’t end there; the turbulent post-Soviet era saw Russia reemerge onto the global stage with a succession of upgrade programmes taking the venerable Tu-95, the Tu-22M and Tu-160 into the modern age with cutting-edge systems and weapons. From the depths of history to the forefront of modern warfare, Russian Bombers showcases the remarkable engineering prowess, strategic innovation, and indomitable spirit that define these iconic warplanes. Through meticulous research and gripping narratives, author David Baker sheds light on the pivotal role Russian bombers have played – and continue to play – in shaping world events.

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9781911704133

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"""It would be a good addition to any modeler, aviation enthusiast or anyone with and interest in Soviet/Russian aircraft's library.""-- ""IPMS/USA"" ""The author has done his research and delves into the rather extensive political machinations that seem to be so prevalent in Soviet/Russian weapons development.""-- ""ModelingMadness.com"""

Author Information

"David Baker worked with NASA on the Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle programs between 1965 and 1990. He has written more than 100 books on space flight, aviation, and military technology and is the former editor of Jane's Space Directory and Jane's Aircraft Upgrades. In 1986, he was made a member of the International Academy of Astronautics by NASA manned flight boss George Mueller and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a member of the US Air Force Association. He received the 1998 Rolls-Royce Award for Aerospace Journalist of the Year and in 2005 he was a recipient of the Arthur C Clarke Award. In October 2017, he received the American Astronautical Society's Frederick I. Ordway III award ""for a sustained excellence in space coverage, through books and articles, as well as engagement in the early US space program"". David is currently the editor of Spaceflight, the monthly space news magazine of the British Interplanetary Society, of which he is also a Fellow, a lecturer, and consultant."

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