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Tupolev Tu-95MS-6 Bear-H - Raduga Cruise Missile Bus
Hi and welcome to my 115th, which is about the Tu-95MS-6, hope you like it. ![]()
First of all:
- Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
- Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
Background History
November 2022 marked the 70th anniversary of the maiden flight of the original version of the Tupolev Tu-95, while the first production aircraft were already introduced into service with the Soviet Air Force in 1956. To this day, the aircraft is characterized by its basic design featuring a slender fuselage, swept wings, and four Kuznetsov NK-12 turboprop engines, each equipped with counter-rotating propellers. This unusual propulsion concept gives the aircraft a long range and high efficiency while maintaining a high cruising speed.
Despite retaining the basic structure, the modern Tupolev Tu-95MS / MS-6 / MS-16 - whose development began in the early 1980s and which was produced until 1994 - differs significantly from the early versions. Originally designed as a free-fall bomber, the aircraft became a strategic missile carrier whose primary mission today is to precisely deploy cruise missiles against ground targets from long range. This has also fundamentally changed the mission concept - moving away from direct overflights of heavily defended targets toward stand-off attacks from a safe distance.
Ultimately, all Tu-95MS-16s were converted back to the MS-6 standard in order to comply with the disarmament agreement with the USA - these airframes were later refurbished and upgraded to Tu-95MSM in early 2020s.
Armament of the Tu-95MS-6
It is not known whether the modernized Tu-95MS-6 would still be capable of carrying conventional bombs - however, the internal weapons bay has been equipped with a rotary launcher, which adds six internal pylons for Kh-55 family cruise missiles.
The Tu-95MS-6βs armament therefore consists mainly of cruise missiles, which, however, are likely to be of great interest for strategic game modes and due to their low number, quite balanced.
For self defense, two twin GSh-23L are mounted in the rear.
- 6x Kh-55
- 6x Kh-55SM

Specifications, Electronics and Internal
The Tu-95MS-6 is equipped with a comprehensive self-defence system. This includes the SPS-160 Geran jammer, which is designed to protect the bomber against guided weapons. The electronic warfare capabilities are supplemented by the Meteor-NM ECM system, APP-50 decoy launchers, Azovsky MAK-UT Infra-Red Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) and the L150 radar warning receiver.
- Crew: >5
- Length: 46,13 m
- Wingspan: 50,04 m
- Height: 13,2 m
- Max. takeoff weight: 185 t
- Powerplant: 4x Kuznetsov NK-12MP
- Power (each): 15,000 hp
- Maximum speed: 830 km/h
- Service ceiling: 10.500 m
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it ![]()
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isnΒ΄t working]
Sources:
Links
https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/tu-95ms-strategic-bomber/?cf-view
Tupolev Tu-95 (Bear) Strategic Reconnaissance / Heavy Bomber Aircraft
Tu-95 History BEAR (TUPOLEV)
Kh-55 strategic cruise missile (KV-500) | Missilery.info
https://www.deagel.com/Aerospace%20Forces/Tu-95/a000690
VAR.TU-95MS



