Douglas Barrie/LONDON
A PREVIOUSLY unseen electronic-combat (EC) variant of the Tupolev Tu-22M Backfire medium-range bomber has been identified at the Russian air force's Ahktubinsk test centre.
The aircraft differs from the Tu-22M3 in having a considerably modified fin root, with a large rounded dielectric cover. The Tu-22M3 has a straight fin root.
Also visible to the rear of the starboard-engine intake is a scabbed-on dielectric fairing, with, presumably, a similar fairing on the port intake. There is also a small dielectric fairing at the tip of the aircraft's fin. A pod also appears to be semi-recessed in the bomb bay.
Reports of an electronic-warfare variant of the Tu-22M first emerged in 1993, although the exact role of the aircraft pictured remains uncertain.
Possible roles for the aircraft could include electronic countermeasures, reconnaissance and electronic warfare (EW).
If the aircraft were to be used for reconnaissance, then its designation could be the Tu-22MR: an EW variant would carry the Tu-22MP designation. Also unclear is the service status of the aircraft and how many airframes have been modified to this role.
The Tu-22MP is reported to have been first flown in 1985, while a variant described as the Tu-22M4 had its maiden flight in 1990.
Source: Flight International
