Tupolev Tu-22

The Tupolev Tu-22 is a former Soviet bomber of the Cold War. It is a twin-turbojets built entirely of metal with a swept-wing. It can carry about 6,000 kg of bombs in internal bay. It was used only by the USSR, Libya, and Iraq. The bomber could carry 3 crew members. NATO called the Tu 22 as Blinder. Tupolev Tu-22M is a modernized variant.

 Operational uses 
Soviets forces used some Tu-22 as high-speed reconnaissance planes.

Iraq used there bombers in Iran-Iraq War.

Libyan air force used the Tupolev Tu-22 in September 1987 http://www.avionslegendaires.net/avion-militaire/tupolev-tu-22-blinder/ for bombing N'Djamena and the French infantry. The bomber was shoot down by a MIM-23 Hawk's missile of the Armée de l'Air.

 Bibliography 
 Frawley, Gerard, The international directory of military aircraft 2002/2003 .  London: Aerospace Publication, 2002. .
 Gaillard, Pierre, Avions et hélicoptères militaires d'aujourd'hui Paris, France : Larivière éditions, 1999.  .

 References 

Category:Tupolev aircraft
Category:Soviet military aircraft