Russian Bear T-95 Bombers provoke Dutch and UK Airspace

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by Castout

it's more than just a game if a nation violates another nation airspace with no less than one or two long range strategic bombers.

It's one thing to trespass another nation airspace with a fighter such as the MiG-29 r Su-27 but it's a completely whole new level of game when one tries to do the same with a long range strategic bomber.

Not really, MiG-29s and Su-27s can carry nuclear payloads just as easy as a Bear.

Plus there is a huge difference between a Bear-A/B/G/H and Bear-D/E/F. Just because its based on a strategic bomber does not make it one.

[Krauter]

Was just going to point that out... Aren't their only strategic bombers these days the Tu-22/24 Blinder/Backfire and the Tu-160 (can't remember NATO name for it, but it's similar to the B-1).?

Also, I thought the only remaining Bears the Russians have are Maritime Reconnaissance and ELINT Birds?

[ETR3(SS)]

Originally Posted by Krauter

Was just going to point that out... Aren't their only strategic bombers these days the Tu-22/24 Blinder/Backfire and the Tu-160 (can't remember NATO name for it, but it's similar to the B-1).?

Blackjack.

[Krauter]

That would be it Thanks ETR.

What other uses for the Tu-95 do the Russian (& Soviets) use it for? Aside from Maritime Recon & spotting, Strategic Bomber (ret.), ELINT, AWACS and Tanker?

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by Krauter

That would be it Thanks ETR.

What other uses for the Tu-95 do the Russian (& Soviets) use it for? Aside from Maritime Recon & spotting, Strategic Bomber (ret.), ELINT and Tanker?

(not all these are in service)
Bear-A Bomber
Bear-B Bomber with IFR probe
Bear-C Upgraded to Bear-G
Bear-D ELINT/Maritime Recce
Bear-E Photo Recon
Bear-F ASW/MPA
Bear-G Cruise Missiles
Bear-H Cruise missiles
Bear-T Trainer

There was never a tanker but there was an AWACS Tu-126 'MOSS'

[Krauter]

Cheers,

Just did a quick search on Wikipedia and saw a few of those.

When I mentioned Tanker, I mean In-flight-refueling (same thing to me )

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by Krauter

When I mentioned Tanker, I mean In-flight-refueling (same thing to me )

There were no Bears that could act as a tanker but there were Bears that could tank up with one.

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by Krauter

Was just going to point that out... Aren't their only strategic bombers these days the Tu-22/24 Blinder/Backfire and the Tu-160 (can't remember NATO name for it, but it's similar to the B-1).?

Tu-160 'BLACKJACK'

Also, I thought the only remaining Bears the Russians have are Maritime Reconnaissance and ELINT Birds?

No there is the Tu-95MS a Kh-55 missile carrier.

The Bear F and J will soon be retired leaving just the missile carriers.

[Castout]

Originally Posted by TLAM Strike

Not really, MiG-29s and Su-27s can carry nuclear payloads just as easy as a Bear.

Plus there is a huge difference between a Bear-A/B/G/H and Bear-D/E/F. Just because its based on a strategic bomber does not make it one.

Sure Su-27 or MiG-29 could carry bombs or even nuclear bombs but as this is a political maneuver the effect would not be as much as when you send a Tu-95 Bear. If it was a military move no ordnance was released and no target was hit. Tu-95 Bear would not violate another nation airspace other than from direct orders from superior to do just that.

And you're right that there are significant configuration and role differences between all the variants of bear but how does one suppose to know which is which from the radar blip or from 5 km away? The threat might not be real but the distress it might have caused for a few minutes sure is.

Reading this thread made me want to fire up DW with DWX and fly that Bear

[Krauter]

Very true Castout.

I was refering to this picture TLAM.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tu...arade_2008.jpg

Edit: I stand corrected, it would seem the Tu-95 in that photo is being refuelled, not refuelling the other aircraft.

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by Krauter

Very true Castout.

I was refering to this picture TLAM.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tu...arade_2008.jpg

Edit: I stand corrected, it would seem the Tu-95 in that photo is being refuelled, not refuelling the other aircraft.

Normally the aircraft in the back is the one getting fuel... although sometimes its hard to tell...

[krashkart]

Originally Posted by TLAM Strike

Normally the aircraft in the back is the one getting fuel... although sometimes its hard to tell...

When they fly up alongside one another for a photo op...


Edit: The Badger furthest from the camera is the one delivering fuel.

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by krashkart

Edit: The Badger furthest from the camera is the one delivering fuel.

That's a bunch of Bull. It's a real Bear when you Badger me that way.

[krashkart]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

That's a bunch of Bull. It's a real Bear when you Badger me that way.

Dude, I am so sorry. That Flashlight came out of nowhere... it was a real Blinder.

[Tchocky]

Could have had loads to tell you guys about this had it not been my day off

Dammit!