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Tupolev Tu-22 facts for kids

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Tupolev Tu-22
Engels Air base museum 03.jpg
Tu-22 at Engels air base in Russia.
Role Bomber
National origin USSR
Manufacturer Tupolev.
First flight 1959
Introduction 1962
Status Retired
Primary user Soviet Air Force.
Number built 313

The Tupolev Tu-22 was a powerful bomber aircraft from the Soviet Union (now Russia) during the Cold War. It had two jet engines and sleek, swept-back wings, made completely of metal. This plane could carry up to 6,000 kilograms (about 13,200 pounds) of bombs inside its body. Only the Soviet Union, Libya, and Iraq used this bomber. Three people worked together to fly and operate the Tu-22. The military alliance NATO gave it the nickname Blinder. A newer, improved version was called the Tupolev Tu-22M.

How the Tu-22 Was Used

The Soviet military used some Tu-22s as very fast reconnaissance planes. These planes would fly over areas to gather information.

Iraq used its Tu-22 bombers during the Iran–Iraq War.

The Libyan air force used the Tupolev Tu-22 in September 1987. They used it to bomb the city of N'Djamena and French ground troops. However, a French MIM-23 Hawk missile shot down one of these bombers.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Túpolev Tu-22 para niños

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