scorecard8 photos of the Tu-160M2, the new long-range super bomber that Russia just unveiled
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8 photos of the Tu-160M2, the new long-range super bomber that Russia just unveiled

Below is a video of the new Blackjack rolling out of the hanger.

8 photos of the Tu-160M2, the new long-range super bomber that Russia just unveiled

Russia hopes to buy at least 50 of the new Tu-160M2s.

Russia hopes to buy at least 50 of the new Tu-160M2s.

Source: The Drive

The new Tu-160M2 will probably be used for the same kind of missions as the older Tu-160M version, and carry the same Kh-101 and nuclear Kh-102 cruise missiles.

The new Tu-160M2 will probably be used for the same kind of missions as the older Tu-160M version, and carry the same Kh-101 and nuclear Kh-102 cruise missiles.

Source: The Drive

It will also most likely be fitted with a new KRET defensive suite.

It will also most likely be fitted with a new KRET defensive suite.

The new defensive suite might possibly have any combination of better infrared countermeasures, solid-state lasers, or beams of electromagnetic radiation to take out incoming missiles.

Source: The Drive, KRET

Including improved inertial, satellite, and astro-navigation equipment. An active electronically scanned array radar will be to able to detect targets at longer ranges and with better accuracy.

Including improved inertial, satellite, and astro-navigation equipment. An active electronically scanned array radar will be to able to detect targets at longer ranges and with better accuracy.

Source: The Drive

It will also reportedly have new avionics, sensors, and communications equipment.

It will also reportedly have new avionics, sensors, and communications equipment.

It will reportedly have a new engine — four of the NK-32 02 series seen below — which will add 600 miles to its flying range.

It will reportedly have a new engine — four of the NK-32 02 series seen below — which will add 600 miles to its flying range.

The original engine on the Tu-160 — the NK-32 — is already a powerful engine, providing 55,000 lbs of thrust. The B-1B Lancer, on the other hand, only generates about 31,000 pounds of thrust. 

Source: The Drive, The Aviationist

It's full capabilities are still unknown, but other than keeping the same frame, it will reportedly be a much different aircraft.

It

In 2015, Russian media reported that the new Blackjack would share 60% of its components with the older version. 

You can find a full list of the original Tu-160's specifications here, and the Tu-160M modifications here

Source: The National Interest

The Tu-160 is often compared to the US' B-1B Lancer.

The Tu-160 is often compared to the US

The original Tu-160 first entered Soviet service in 1987.

The original Tu-160 first entered Soviet service in 1987.

It's an upgrade to the Tu-160M, which entered Russian service in 2014.

It

Russia unveiled the new Tu-160M2 White Swan — codenamed Blackjack by NATO — on Thursday.

Russia unveiled the new Tu-160M2 White Swan — codenamed Blackjack by NATO — on Thursday.

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