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
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