Tupolev Tu-142 (Bear-F/J)
The longer, re-winged anti-submarine Bear — still flying with the Russian Navy · First flight 1968 · In service 1972
Although it looks like a Bear, the Tu-142 is largely a new aircraft. The fuselage was lengthened to hold anti-submarine and surveillance equipment, the wing was enlarged with a new aerofoil, and the undercarriage was strengthened for rough fields. All defensive guns except the twin 23 mm tail cannon were removed, and a 360° search radar, sonobuoys and torpedoes were carried instead. The first Tu-142 flew on 18 June 1968, and initial operational capability came in December 1972. NATO called it Bear-F.
About 100 were built between 1968 and 1994, first at Kuibyshev and later at Taganrog. The Tu-142MK introduced the Korshun radar, the Tu-142M3 was the final anti-submarine production version with NK-12MP engines, and the Tu-142MR (Bear-J) is a communications-relay aircraft with a long trailing wire antenna for contacting submerged submarines.
India was the only export customer: the Indian Navy flew eight Tu-142MK-E from INS Rajali between 1988 and 2017, and one retired aircraft is now a museum on the beach at Visakhapatnam. Russian Naval Aviation still operates about 29 Tu-142M3, MR and MK aircraft.
