Tu-160 Blackjack

Tu-160 "Blackjack" - Strategic Bomber -

ORIGIN: (Real World) Russian Federation

GAMES FEATURED IN: Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies

OPERATORS: Erusian Air Force

REAL-LIFE BIO: TU-160 was a high-speed, high-altitude bomber aircraft designed as a response to the XB-70 and B-1B. The plane is capable of Mach 2 and employ some tow observable techniques. Though this aircraft resembles the B-1B it is 20% bigger, making it the biggest bomber aircraft in service. Except for speed and possibly maneuverability, preformance is very similar or equal to its American counterpart. The plane have variable geometry wings. The TU-160 first flew in the early 1980s and since went into low level production.

The Blackjack supposedly has a smaller payload than the B-2 Spirit with an estimated 36,000 lb payload. Although it's slightly better range / speed (Compared to the B-1B) somewhat makes up for it. There were plenty of developmental problems, and at the fall of the soviet union, Russia temporarily lost 18 Blackjacks to the Ukraine. Production halted as of 1992. However, In 2006 the Russian airforce announced it will procure 5 new-build Tu-160s each year until the fleet is completed. These Tu-160s will posses upgraded weapons capabilites.

Sources: http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/bomber/tu-160.htm

Accreditation: RaptorR3D/Ribbon-Cobalt for the title image