What Plane Is Called the Blackjack?

The Tupolev Tu-160 (NATO reporting name: Blackjack) is a Soviet supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber designed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the 1960s. It is the largest and heaviest Mach 2+ supersonic military aircraft ever built, and has the longest flight range of any bomber except for the Rockwell B-1 Lancer.

The Tu-160 was designed to replace the Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 in the Soviet long-range aviation branch. .

The first prototype flew in 1981, and production was well under way by 1984. By the time production ceased in 2009, a total of 35 aircraft had been built, including 19 factory new aircraft and 16 refurbished bombers upgraded from older Tu-95s.

currently, all Tu-160s in service are undergoing a major upgrade program to improve their combat capabilities.

The Blackjack is truly a behemoth of an airplane. It is the largest and heaviest Mach 2+ supersonic military aircraft ever built! It is also incredibly fast, being able to reach speeds of up to 2,220 kilometers per hour.

But what truly sets this plane apart is its range. With a flight range of 12,000 kilometers, it can easily outdistance any other bomber except for the Rockwell B-1 Lancer.

In service since 1984, the Tu-160 has seen action in a number of conflicts including the Russian interventions in Syria and Ukraine. It is currently undergoing a major upgrade program to improve its combat capabilities even further.

The Blackjack is truly a fearsome plane and an asset to any country lucky enough to have one in its arsenal.