Tu-95 Bear

TheTupolev Tu-95(Russian:ÐÑ Ð¿Ð¾Ð»ÐµÐ² ÐÑ o 95;NATO reporting name: Bear) is a large, four-engineturboprop-poweredstrategic bomberand missile platform.First flownin 1952, the Tu-95 entered service with theSoviet Unionin 1956 and is expected to serve theRussian Air Forceuntil at least 2040.[1]A naval development of the bomber is designatedTu-142.

The aircraft has four KuznetsovNK-12engines, developed by theKuznetsov Design Bureauwith participation ofFerdinand Brandnerand other captured German engineers, each drivingcontra-rotating propellers. An airliner variantTu-114holds the record as the world'sfastest propeller-driven aircraft. Some experimental aircraft were designed for theoretically higher speeds, but none attained or registered them. It also remains the only turboprop-powered strategic bomber in operational use. Its distinctivelyswept-back wingsare at 35°, a very sharp angle by the standards of propeller-driven aircraft, and justified by its operating speeds and altitudes. Its blades, which rotate faster than the speed of sound, according to one media source, make it arguably the noisiest military aircraft on earth,[2]with only the experimental 1950s eraRepublic XF-84H "Thunderscreech"turboprop powered American fighter design as a likely rival.[citation needed]It was reportedly so loud that the underwaterHydrophonesof submerged submarines andSOSUScould detect it.