On December 28, a development prototype of the Tu-22M3M swing-wing “Eurostrategic” bomber took to the air for the first time from the airfield of the Kazan Aviation Production Association (KAPO). It was the same airframe that was rolled out in a ceremony on August 16. The aircraft stayed aloft for 37 minutes and climbed to a maximum altitude of 1,500 meters (5,000 feet). According to United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), of which KAPO is a member, the flight was uneventful. Headed by Tupolev test pilot Oleg Petunin, the crew performed all planned checks for avionics and onboard systems. After completion of manufacturer’s trials, the development prototype will be subjected to state acceptance trials.
The Tu-22M3M is scheduled to become operational in 2021. KAPO will rebuild a yet-to-be-decided number of in-service Tu-22M3s into this version. They will feature some of the solutions developed for the discontinued Tu-22M4, as well as avionics and mission equipment being developed for the heavier Tu-160M2 strategic bomber. Tu-22M3Ms will also be retrofitted with Kuznetsov NK-32-02 reheated turbofans for higher gross weight and longer range. They may also regain an in-flight refueling system, which was previously removed from the entire operational fleet in accordance with U.S.-Russia nuclear disarmament treaties.
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