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| Tupolev Tu-16 | |
|---|---|
_c1978.jpg) A Tu-16 flying over USS Hewitt c.1978 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Strategic bomber |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Voronezh Aircraft Production Association[1] |
| Designer | |
| Status | Discontinued, in limited service |
| Primary users | Russian Air Force |
| Number built | 1,509 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1952–1962 |
| Introduction date | 1954 |
| First flight | 27 April 1952 |
| Variants | Tupolev Tu-104 Tupolev Tu-124 Xian H-6 Tupolev Tu-107 |
The Tupolev Tu-16 (USAF/DOD reporting name Type 39;[2] NATO reporting name: Badger)[3] is a twin-engined jet strategic heavy bomber used by the Soviet Union. It has been flown for almost 70 years. While many aircraft in Soviet service were retired after the Cold War ended, the Chinese license-built version Xian H-6 remains in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force, with the most modern variant, the H-6K, still being actively produced as of 2020[update].[4]
- ^ "Предприятие". www.vaso.ru. Archived from the original on 6 May 2018. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
- ^ Jane's All the World's Aircraft p. 188
- ^ "Designations of Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft and Missiles". www.designation-systems.net. Archived from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
- ^ Axe, David (16 November 2020). "The Chinese Air Force Sure Is Buying A Lot Of Bombers". Forbes. Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2023.