Tupolev Samolyot 135

The Tupolev Samolyot 135 was a designation that was used for two different strategic bomber projects in the Soviet Union in the late 1950s and early 1960s, neither of which progressed beyond the drawing board.

Samolyot 135
Role strategic bomber
National origin Soviet Union
Manufacturer Tupolev
Status Project only

Design and development

The first, proposed in 1958, was for a Tupolev Tu-95 derivative carrying a long-range cruise-missile, to be based on the Tsybin RS (S-30), Tupolev Samolyot 100 or Tupolev Samolyot 113 missiles. The combination was estimated to have a total range of approximately 4,000 km (2,500 mi).[1][2]

Two years later the second iteration of '135' was envisioned as a supersonic interdiction bomber powered by a variety of engines in many configurations, including as a nuclear-powered bomber. The design settled to a canard delta, similar to the North American XB-70A Valkyrie, with paired Kuznetsov NK-6 turbofan engine nacelles under each wing and a large single fin. Weapons would largely have been missiles, as designed, for maritime interdiction as well as long-range interdiction of enemy logistics. The design was constantly evolving and gave Tupolev valuable experience which would assist in the later design of the Tupolev Tu-22M and Tupolev Tu-160 bombers.[1][2]

Further development of the '135 was suspended when the Sukhoi T-4 became the favoured outcome of the design efforts in the early 1960s,as well as high estimated cost of the '135'. Variants that were studied included: the 135K maritime strike / interdiction; '135P' supersonic transport (SST); a reconnaissance variant with cameras and ELINT equipment.[3][2]

Specifications (estimated)

Data from ,[3] OKB Tupolev[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 4
  • Length: 50.7 m (166 ft 4 in)
  • Wingspan: 34.8 m (114 ft 2 in)
  • Height: 10.7 m (35 ft 1 in)
  • Wing area: 417 m2 (4,490 sq ft)
  • Gross weight: 175,000 kg (385,809 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 205,000 kg (451,948 lb)
  • Powerplant: 4 × DTRD NC-6 turbofan engines, 105 kN (23,500 lbf) with afterburner

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 3,000 km/h (1,900 mph, 1,600 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 2,650 km/h (1,650 mph, 1,430 kn)
  • Range: 7,800 km (4,800 mi, 4,200 nmi) to 8,000 km (5,000 mi) at supersonic speeds andhigh altitude
6,000 km (3,700 mi) at low altitudes
  • Service ceiling: 19,000 m (62,000 ft) to 22,000 m (72,000 ft)

Armament

  • Missiles: alternative loads
  • 4-6 x Kh-22
  • 2-4 x Kh-45
  • 2-4-x Ballistic missiles
  • 4-6 x Air-to-air missiles

References
  1. Buttler, Tony; Gordon, Yefim (2004). Soviet secret projects : bombers since 1945. Midland. p. 77. ISBN 9781857801941.
  2. Gordon, Yefim; Rigmant, Vladimir (2005). OKB Tupolev : a history of the design bureau and its aircraft. Midland. pp. 179–183. ISBN 9781857802146.
  3. "Tupolev Tu-135 Strategic Bomber".
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