Russian Bear T-95 Bombers provoke Dutch and UK Airspace

[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.