Blackjack enters a new testing phase
Russia is overhauling its Tu-160 strategic bomber fleet. (Photo: UAC)
Latest developments in the Tu-160 upgrade programme include the first flight tests with new-generation engines.
Flight tests of the upgraded Tu-160M strategic bomber (NATO: Blackjack) with new NK-32 Series 2 engines began in March 2021 at Zhukovsky airfield near Moscow.
So-called preliminary testing is being carried out by aircraft manufacturer Tupolev and the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).
This is actually the second phase in a comprehensive flight testing effort, following the completion of the factory flight testing phase launched in February 2020.
The next phase will be joint state trials, to be undertaken by the VKS 929nd Flight Test Centre with support from Tupolev.
According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov, all
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF]()
Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF
In its Q2 earnings call, the company said it has internal targets set for similar double-digit growth for 2026, as it welcomed a 21% boost in 2025 profits so far compared to 2024.
-
![Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade]()
Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade
The Mid-Life Upgrade agreement comes as Poland makes significant increases in its defence spend as its plans to increase it to 5% of GDP by 2026.
-
![How unconventional warfare demands are changing the CUAS and drone development landscape]()
How unconventional warfare demands are changing the CUAS and drone development landscape
The use of drones in unconventional ways is accelerating technological advances and countermeasures as military planners try to stay ahead of the drone revolution in military affairs.
-
![Applied Intuition takes aim at major air combat programmes with UK expansion]()
Applied Intuition takes aim at major air combat programmes with UK expansion
The autonomous software company’s new UK subsidiary is the latest in a line of businesses poised to expand and offer its services to the UK Ministry of Defence and industry, as the country invests more in AI and autonomous technology to deliver the next generation of uncrewed systems.
