Significant Improvements to Operational Reliability and Efficiency

The Russian Air Force’s latest strategic bomber, the Tu-95MSM, which has been significantly modernised by United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), made its maiden flight on 22 August, according to the company. The flight lasted 2h 33min and reached an altitude of 9,000m, a statement read.

Dubbed a “strategic missile carrier,” the Tu-95MSM upgrade is being carried out by PJSC Tupolev and PJSC TANTK im. G M Beriev, a UAC company. The aircraft has a new weapons system, brand new avionics, including weapons and targeting control systems and onboard computers, new flight, navigation and radar systems and uprated engines and propellers. Company sources assess the combat capability of the aircraft has been doubled by the deep modernisation programme.

The resulting aircraft demonstrates significant improvements in navigation accuracy and reliability, a considerable extension of its expected service life and improved take-off and landing characteristics.