The Russian Ministry of Defense published on its official YouTube channel a video of the first flight of the modernized strategic Tu-160M ​​bomber. The plane took off on February 2 from the airfield of the Kazan Aviation Plant named after S.P. Gorbunova.

“During the first flight, which was held in normal mode, the necessary checks of updated systems and equipment were performed. The plane was piloted by the crew under the leadership of the test pilot of the Kazan Aviation Plant Henri Naskidyants. The flight lasted 34 minutes and passed at an altitude of 1,500 m, ”the department said.

The ministry added that as a result of modernization, the overall efficiency of the aviation complex has fundamentally increased.

The Tu-160M ​​received new flight and navigation equipment, an airborne communications system, a control system, a radar station and an electronic warfare system, RIA Novosti reported. In addition, thanks to the NK-32 engines of the second series, the Tu-160M ​​flight range will increase by a thousand kilometers, the agency said.

The transfer of modernized Tu-160M ​​bombers to the troops should begin in 2021 with a further annual increase in the number of deliveries, the Ministry of Defense emphasized.

Recall that the Tu-160 is a supersonic strategic bomber with a variable sweep wing (the ability to change the angle of the wing relative to the body of the aircraft). The unique wing design allows the aircraft to overcome enemy air defense lines at speeds up to 2200 km / h. The aircraft can reach supersonic speed in afterburner mode and hold it for 45 minutes. He is called the “White Swan” in the army, and according to NATO codification, the aircraft is designated as Blackjack. Tu-160 has been in operation since 1987, the production program was resumed in 2015.

Military expert Alexei Leonkov noted that the bomber received more modern equipment.

“You need to understand that modernization is the improvement of some characteristics. First of all, we are talking about flight performance, because in fact the aircraft, which was created in Soviet times, was designed, developed for a certain type of equipment and on-board equipment, including electronic equipment. Now this modernization has actually changed his entire “stuffing”, we can say that the aircraft was transferred to a digital figure, ”he explained in an interview with RT.

Vladimir Popov, Merited Military Pilot, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Aviano Panorama magazine, told RT in a commentary that modernization in practice involves replacing the aiming and navigation complex and installing additional newer electronic warfare equipment on it.

In turn, Leonkov stressed that the aircraft operates in the GLONASS system, due to which it will be able to more accurately reach the launch points of the weapons that are on board.

“In addition, we should not forget that new electronic warfare systems are placed on board the aircraft - a more modern, comprehensive defense, so that the Tu-160M ​​can fulfill its combat mission in the face of serious opposition from air defense and electronic warfare systems of a potential enemy,” expert added.

Popov noted that the Tu-160M ​​will also receive new missile and bomb weapons, including modern X-101 missiles, which will expand the combat capabilities of the aircraft, Popov told RT in a comment.

“Now we are considering the use of the same“ Dagger ”(hypersonic missile system. - RT ) on this bomber,” he added.

Similar data leads and Leonkov.

“It is known that this aircraft is part of the so-called nuclear triad. It is clear that the weapons that are located in his bomb bombs are long-range cruise missiles: the Kh-101 (with conventional warheads) and X-102 (with special warheads) missiles. They are also modern, digital, ”he emphasized.

At the same time, replacing the on-board communications complex and the radar station with new ones, which have not only improved tactical and technical characteristics, but also lower overall and overall dimensions, made it possible to reduce the empty mass (without fuel and payload) by about 10-12%, Vladimir is sure Popov.

“So, we can either add additional combat load there, or take more fuel at the same percentages, respectively, respectively, the range and range of the systems that we will have on board increase,” the expert explained.