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Tupolev Tu-160

The Tupolev Tu-160 is a Soviet-designed, Russian-operated supersonic strategic bomber and missile carrier.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Tupolev Tu-160 is a Soviet-designed, Russian-operated supersonic strategic bomber and missile carrier. Its NATO reporting name is Blackjack, while it is known in Russia as the White Swan. The aircraft is nuclear-capable, uses variable-sweep wings, and is one of the largest and fastest combat aircraft ever built.

Development

The Tu-160 was developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the 1970s as a nuclear-capable heavy strategic bomber. It first flew in 1981 and entered service in 1987.

Design and capabilities

The aircraft features variable-sweep wings and is powered by four Kuznetsov NK-32 turbofan engines. It can carry strategic cruise missiles and other nuclear or conventional weapons in internal weapons bays. Sources describe it as capable of supersonic flight and long-range strategic missions.

Operational history

The Tu-160 remained in Russian service after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It continues to serve with the Russian long-range aviation force and has received modernization variants such as the Tu-160M family.

Size and performance

The Tu-160 is widely described as the largest supersonic aircraft and the heaviest combat aircraft ever built. It is also recognized as the largest variable-sweep combat aircraft.

Key facts

  • The Tu-160 is a Soviet-designed, Russian-operated supersonic strategic bomber.
  • It has variable-sweep wings and is built for high-speed, long-range missions.
  • It can carry strategic cruise missiles and other nuclear or conventional weapons.
  • It entered service in 1987 and is the largest supersonic aircraft ever built.
  • It is similar in appearance to the B-1 Lancer but is a different class of aircraft.
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Canadian context

The Tu-160 is relevant to Canadian readers as part of Russian long-range strategic aviation, which is monitored in North American defence and airspace-security discussions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Tu-160?
It is a Soviet-designed, Russian-operated supersonic strategic bomber and missile carrier built by Tupolev.
What is the NATO name for the Tu-160?
Its NATO reporting name is Blackjack.
When did the Tu-160 first fly?
The first flight took place in 1981.
When did the Tu-160 enter service?
It entered service in 1987.
What kind of weapons can it carry?
Sources say it can carry strategic cruise missiles, short-range guided missiles, and nuclear or conventional bombs in two internal weapons bays.
Why is the Tu-160 notable?
It is notable for its very large size, supersonic speed, variable-sweep wings, and long-range strategic mission profile.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-160
    Supports: NATO reporting name, Soviet-origin design, nuclear-capable supersonic variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber
  2. Federation of American Scientists — https://nuke.fas.org/guide/russia/bomber/tu-160.htm
    Supports: Mission profile, weapons carriage, strategic bomber role
  3. SKYbrary — https://skybrary.aero/aircraft/t160
    Supports: Aircraft type, comparison to B-1, size, speed, thrust, payload
  4. Aviastar.org — https://www.aviastar.org/air/russia/tu-160.php
    Supports: First flight, entry into service, production history
  5. Airforce Technology — https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/tu-160-blackjack/
    Supports: Variable-sweep strategic missile carrier, purpose for nuclear and conventional weapons