The Tupolev Tu-160 strategic missile carrier/bomber will be equipped with an advanced radio-electronic warfare system, which is highly effective against anti-aircraft missiles, Russia’s Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies (KRET) reported.
KRET is developing a new aircraft guidance system, a targeting and navigation complex, a weapons control system and other electronic equipment. A total of 800 firms and organizations are involved in the modernization of the Tu-160 aircraft.
KRET companies are designing engine control and fuel consumption systems as well as a maintenance service which would help the crew in force majeure situations.
"There is no match to the Tu-160 among supersonic aircraft," Shoigu said.
The Tu-160 is a supersonic variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber/missile carrier designed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the Soviet Union in the late 1970s – early1980s. The aircraft entered service in 1987.
In the Russian Long-Range Aviation the Tu-160 was nicknamed "the White Swan". Its original construction is stealth-ready and allows the aircraft to stay unspotted during long-range combat missions.
The Tu-160 holds 44 world records in flight altitude and operation range. The most recent was set when it made a continuous flight of 18,000 kilometers in 24 hours and 24 minutes.
The Tu-160 is the largest, heaviest and the most powerful supersonic aircraft in military aviation. During modernization, the aircraft will be equipped with advanced communication and navigation systems, new targeting systems and electronic warfare complexes.
Initially, the Tu-160 was designed to carry 12 Kh-55 cruise missiles with thermonuclear warheads. Currently the Tu-160 is rearmed with the cutting-edge Kh-101 and Kh-555 missiles with an accuracy of five meters.
