This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2019) |
The Tupolev Samolyot 135 was a designation that was used for two different strategic bomber projects in the Soviet Union in the late 1950s and early 1960s, neither of which progressed beyond the drawing board.
| Samolyot 135 | |
|---|---|
| Role | strategic bomber |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Tupolev |
| Status | Project only |
Design and development
editThe first, proposed in 1958, was for a Tupolev Tu-95 derivative carrying a long-range cruise-missile, to be based on the Tsybin RS (S-30), Tupolev Samolyot 100 or Tupolev Samolyot 113 missiles. The combination was estimated to have a total range of approximately 4,000 km (2,500 mi).[1][2]
Two years later the second iteration of '135' was envisioned as a supersonic interdiction bomber powered by a variety of engines in many configurations, including as a nuclear-powered bomber. The design settled to a canard delta, similar to the North American XB-70A Valkyrie, with paired Kuznetsov NK-6 turbofan engine nacelles under each wing and a large single fin. Weapons would largely have been missiles, as designed, for maritime interdiction as well as long-range interdiction of enemy logistics. The design was constantly evolving and gave Tupolev valuable experience which would assist in the later design of the Tupolev Tu-22M and Tupolev Tu-160 bombers.[1][2]
Further development of the '135 was suspended when the Sukhoi T-4 became the favoured outcome of the design efforts in the early 1960s,as well as high estimated cost of the '135'. Variants that were studied included: the 135K maritime strike / interdiction; '135P' supersonic transport (SST); a reconnaissance variant with cameras and ELINT equipment.[3][2]
Specifications (estimated)
editGeneral characteristics
- Crew: 4
- Length: 50.7 m (166 ft 4 in)
- Wingspan: 34.8 m (114 ft 2 in)
- Height: 10.7 m (35 ft 1 in)
- Wing area: 417 m2 (4,490 sq ft)
- Gross weight: 175,000 kg (385,809 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 205,000 kg (451,948 lb)
- Powerplant: 4 × DTRD NC-6 turbofan engines, 105 kN (23,500 lbf) with afterburner
Performance
- Maximum speed: 3,000 km/h (1,900 mph, 1,600 kn)
- Cruise speed: 2,650 km/h (1,650 mph, 1,430 kn)
- Range: 7,800 km (4,800 mi, 4,200 nmi) to 8,000 km (5,000 mi) at supersonic speeds andhigh altitude
- 6,000 km (3,700 mi) at low altitudes
- Service ceiling: 19,000 m (62,000 ft) to 22,000 m (72,000 ft)
Armament
References
edit- ^ a b Buttler, Tony; Gordon, Yefim (2004). Soviet secret projects : bombers since 1945. Midland. p. 77. ISBN 9781857801941.
- ^ a b c d Gordon, Yefim; Rigmant, Vladimir (2005). OKB Tupolev : a history of the design bureau and its aircraft. Midland. pp. 179–183. ISBN 9781857802146.
- ^ a b "Tupolev Tu-135 Strategic Bomber".
External links
edit- "Tu-135". airwar.ru. Retrieved 2018-09-06.
- ""135" (Tu-135) supersonic strategic bomber". alternathistory.com. Retrieved 2018-09-06.