The Tupolev Tu-22M3 NATO reporting name: Backfire, is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau. According to some sources, the bomber was believed to be designated Tu-26 at one time. During the Cold War, the Tu-22M3 was operated by the Soviet Air Force (VVS) in a strategic bombing role, and by the Soviet Naval Aviation (AVMF) in a long-range maritime anti-shipping role. There is a sginificant number of the machines in service with Russian Aerospace Forces numbering around 100, most of them are expected to undergo extensive modernization to the M3M standard which replaces around 80% of the machine electronics systems but it also provides new engines also used in upcoming Tu-160M2. The M3M variant also restores the Tu-22M capability of inflight refueling making it once more an intercontinental, supersonic, strategical bomber. The aircraft is called "Troika" or jokingly "встречный огонь" (vstrechnyy ogon' meaning literally "Backfire") by Russian crews as to hint the rather unsuitable NATO reporting name for this very successfull and capable machine. Up to date only 2 Tu-22Ms were lost, resulting in 3 casualties. 1 lost during war in chechenya with 3 out of 4 crew members dying and second one got lost during aborted take-off resulting in no casualties but the aircraft being too heavly damaged to be repaired.



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