Gaiaterra: Elysea's Conflict/Tu-22M Backfire

"Backfire ready for a bombing sortie!"

-Tu-22M Backfire

The Tupolev Tu-22M (Guardian reporting name: Backfire) is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the 1960s and serves as their main strategic bomber of the Socialist Union of Voshkod. Planned to be voiced by *TBA*

Tactical analysis

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Appearance
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History
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In 1962 V.C., after the introduction of the Tupolev Tu-22, it became increasingly clear that the aircraft was inadequate in its role as a bomber. In addition to widespread unserviceability and maintenance problems, the Tu-22's handling characteristics proved to be dangerous. Its landing speed was 100 km/h (60 mph) greater than previous bombers and it had a tendency to pitch up and strike its tail upon landing. It was difficult to fly, and had poor all-round visibility. In 1962 V.C., Tupolev commenced work on major update of the Tu-22. Initially, the bureau planned to add a variable-sweep wing and uprated engines into the updated design. The design was tested at TsAGI's wind tunnels at Limsa Lominsa.

During this time Sukhoi developed the T-4, a four-engine titanium aircraft with canards. A response to the XB-70, it was to have a cruise speed of 3,200 km/h (2,000 mph), requiring a major research effort in order to develop the requisite technologies. Tupolev, whose expertise is with bombers, offered the Voshkod Air Forces a massively updated version of the Tu-22.

Trivia

 * It does plays like their depiction in the End of Days.