Tu-142
The Tu-142 is a Soviet/Russian maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft derived from the Tu-95 turboprop strategic bomber.
It is a lengthened Tu-95 with much defensive armament removed, and instead incorporating ASW systems. Twelve aircraft initially had 12-wheel main undercarriage bogies. Six later aircraft had four-wheel bogies.
The Tu-142 was designed by the Tupolev design bureau and manufactured by the Kuibyshev Aviation and Taganrog Machinery Plants from 1968 to 1994. Formerly operated by the Soviet Navy and Ukrainian Air Force, the Tu-142 currently serves with the Russian Navy. Developed in response to the American Polaris program, the Tu-142 grew out of the need for a viable Soviet ASW platform.
Designations:
| Production | Factory | AM-VF | NATO |
|---|---|---|---|
| approx. 12 † | Tu-142 | Tu-142 | "Bear F" |
| 6 † | Tu-142 | Tu-142 | "Bear F" Mod. 1 |
| N/A ‡ | Tu-142M | Tu-142 | "Bear F" Mod. 2 |
| approx. 43 ‡ | Tu-142MK | Tu-142M | "Bear F" Mod. 3 |
| N/A ‡ | Tu-142MZ | Tu-142MZ | "Bear F" Mod. 4 |
| N/A ‡ | Tu-142MR | Tu-142MR | "Bear J" |
- †: Produced in Kuibyshev
- ‡: Produced in Taganrog
More information:
| No specifications available |
Main Equipment Gallery
No media available.