Tupolev Tu-22M3 (Backfire-C)
The definitive Backfire — wedge intakes, NK-25 engines and nearly Mach 1.9 · First flight 1977 · In service 1983
The Tu-22M3 was a thorough redesign aimed at more speed and range. It received the more powerful NK-25 turbofan, wedge-shaped intakes similar to those of the MiG-25, a greater maximum wing sweep, a recontoured nose for a new radar and navigation/attack system, and a revised tail turret with a single GSh-23 cannon. It first flew in 1977, entered service in 1983 and was officially accepted in 1989. NATO called it Backfire-C.
With 268 built until 1993, the M3 is by far the most numerous version — total Tu-22M production reached 497. Its maximum speed is quoted at about 2,000 km/h (Mach 1.88), and besides the large Kh-22 missile it can carry the short-range Kh-15 on an internal rotary launcher or up to 24 tonnes of bombs.
The M3 served with both Long-Range and Naval Aviation in the Soviet era. After 1991 Ukraine's 43 aircraft were scrapped under Nunn–Lugar. Some Russian aircraft received the SVP-24 navigation and bombing system before the deeper M3M upgrade.
