Communication is provided by an on-board system that features both an intercom and external capability. The aircraft carries a landing system, radio altimeters, and a radiation warning station. An information reporting system warns the crew about deviations from normal flight conditions. Armament includes guided missiles and bombs arranged in the inboard bomb bay and external stores. The defensive armament of the Tu-22M3 aircraft is represented by a tail launch station.
Guidance is effected with the aid of radar and TV sight.
Besides their principal purpose, the Tu-22s develop new aerodynamic solutions. The implementation of this project will make it possible to considerably reduce the cost of aerodynamic studies. The high aerodynamic characteristics, bypass turbofan engines with a high by-pass ratio and the exceptional design of the aircraft and its systems ensure a high fuel economy. The high aspect ratio and moderately swept wing, formed by supercritical airfoils, has a negative aerodynamic twist and specially shaped surfaces at the ends. The aircraft is provided with powerful highlift devices featuring a high degree of recoil and slats on the entire wing span.