Aircraft
Upgraded 'Backfire' Rolled Out at Kazan
Tupolev has engineered a major modernization of the Tu-22M3 strategic bomber, the first trials example of which has been unviled at the KAPO works
Rolled out on August 16, Bort (side number) 42 is the prototype for the Tu-22M3M upgrade, and is due to fly in September. (photo: UAC/Tupolev)
Rolled out on August 16, Bort (side number) 42 is the prototype for the Tu-22M3M upgrade, and is due to fly in September. (photo: UAC/Tupolev)

Tupolev has rolled out a prototype of the Tu-22M3M swing-wing strategic bomber. The ceremony took place on August 16 at the Kazan Aircraft Production Organization (KAPO), in the presence of employees and government officials, including the president of the Russian Federation’s Tatarstan Republic, Rustam Minnikhanov.