A strategic bomber Tu-22M3 “Backfire” of the Russian Aerospace Forces crashed in the Stavropol Krai region, southwest Russia, during a missile attack against Ukraine last night.
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A video circulating on social media shows the moment the aircraft descends abruptly, raising questions about the safety of Russian military operations in the region.
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According to reports from Russian media, the bomber’s crash was caused by a technical failure. Preliminary information indicates that both pilots managed to eject from the aircraft before impact and were subsequently transported to a local hospital.
Sources state that the pilots are in “moderate condition,” suggesting they survived the incident with injuries that, while serious, do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk.
The aircraft is currently in service with the Russian Air Force and Russian Naval Aviation. It is known for its urban bombings against cities like Mariupol in April 2022 and cruise missile strikes with Kh-22 in Dnipro and Kremenchuk.
Tupolev Tu-22M3
The Tupolev Tu-22M3, known by the NATO code “Backfire,” is a supersonic long-range strategic bomber designed by Tupolev in the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This model is an advanced version of the Tu-22 bomber, with significant improvements in terms of performance and operational capability.
The Tu-22M3 was introduced in the 1980s and is equipped with two NK-25 turbofan engines, allowing it to reach speeds of up to Mach 2.15. The aircraft’s design includes variable geometry wings, which can be adjusted to optimize aerodynamic performance at different altitudes and flight speeds. With the wings retracted, the bomber can achieve supersonic speeds, while extended wings provide greater efficiency in subsonic flight.
The Tu-22M3 has a range of approximately 6,800 kilometers, but this distance can be extended using aerial refueling. The aircraft can carry a wide range of armaments, including conventional and nuclear bombs, cruise missiles, and anti-ship missiles. It is capable of carrying a payload of up to 24 tons of weapons.
Video: Twitter @sentdefender. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.