Aircraft
New Tu-160M Missile Carrier Makes First Flight
Russia is building up its strategic missile-carrying force by placing Tupolev's mighty Tu-160M “Blackjack” back into production.
The first new-build Tu-160M flies over the Kazan factory during its initial flight on January 12. (Photo: United Aircraft Corporation)
The first new-build Tu-160M flies over the Kazan factory during its initial flight on January 12. (Photo: United Aircraft Corporation)

Russia's Tupolev Public Joint Stock Company has flown the first new-production Tu-160M strategic missile carrier. The aircraft’s January 12 maiden flight was undertaken at the Kazan Aviation Plant airfield, and lasted for around 30 minutes. The short flight validated the aircraft’s basic stability and controllability, reaching an altitude of around 2,000 feet.


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