Tu-22 Blinder 'The Booze Carrier'

[Migratingcoconut]

Tu-22 'Blinder' 

"one of my more unfortunate creations."

~Andrei Tupolev

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

INTRO:

Tupolev's other designs were more well received by their pilots after all, and perhaps it would be easier to recommend them instead given some are already AI. So, why do I recommend this one?

Lets find out:

 This video does a better job than I could of describing this plane, its many quirks that make it unique, and its history:

Some interesting facts to summarize in case you skipped or missed anything:

It's a Mach 1+ single pilot strategic bomber (+ 2 non pilot crew), super high landing speed, ejects downwards, gear sometimes vibrates off the plane during rollout, cant see runway on approach thanks to instrument panel shape during left crosswind, if aoa gets too high during approach the engines will drag you to the ground due to their weight on the tail, and over 1 in 5 were lost in accidents.

Also it carried booze.

 

VARIANTS:

The two variants I would leave out are the strictly recon and strictly electronic warfare versions (RDM & E variants) because even if that isn't too boring to justify, I'd wager the kub ELINT system and electronic warfare systems are not public knowledge, but I am not sure. Iron bombs though should be relatively easy and the Kh-22 is already in the game on AI planes.

Any sub-variant with 'D' means it has a fixed refueling probe on the nose. All in service received this upgrade if they didn't crash first.

Without further ado here are the 3 broad variants which I am interested to see from most to least preferred (with sub-variants listed):

Tu-22B: Initial version put into service. Conventional bomber. Superseded quickly in own role by R variants. Accounted for 15 out of 311.
Tu-22R: Recon variant. Did away some old flaws. Field modifiable to restore B variant capabilities. Accounted for 127 out of 311.
Tu-22RD: You know what the D stands for & this is the most important version to add in my opinion.
Tu-22RDK: Had the Kub ELINT system added for locating radars. Unknown how many got this upgrade, or if bombing capability is retained with this.
Tu-22RDM: Side looking 'Shompol' radar in bomb bay with noticeable fairing in the belly. Likely no bombing capability here. Fewer got this upgrade.

|

Tu-22K: Kh-22 'Kitchen' cruise missile carrying variant for anti-ship/carrier strikes. Only gets a single missile. Accounted for 76 out of 311.
Tu-22KD: You know what the D stands for.
Tu-22KPD: P means it has the kub ELINT for finding radar emitting targets and uses the anti radar version of the kh-22. Some got this upgrade.

|

Tu-22U: Trainer variant which had an extra cockpit above where the normal one is. Accounted for 46 out of 311 Tu-22s made.
Tu-22UD: You know what the D stands for.

 

PROS & CONS OF DEVELOPING:

Pros:

In spite of its imposing looks it would not be very demanding in terms of DCS core capabilities and ground breaking features. Those few unique features it does have don't add up to much of a negative.

The main thing going for it is how simple it is. No fly-by-wire, no radar for air-to-air missile shooting, and no glass cockpit with extensive screens and menus to model & integrate with weapons like on more modern planes. Given the versions I am suggesting, we could start with only dumb bombs and the tail gunner in terms of offensive capability, and these things are way less complicated than stuff 3rd party devs have been doing for many years.

One other thing going for it is noticeable from a gameplay standpoint. It was flown by a single pilot and for a strategic bomber this is unheard of. Many people talk about how they don't like dealing with Jester or Petrovich to manage their systems, and this is a somewhat different animal to those. From a pilots perspective, yes, you still have a weapons officer. But this is a strategic bomber; the only one in which the pilot's flying duties can be the single player's own alone. I am guessing DCS sim pilots will find this more fun than having to always share those responsibilities. The weapons officer can only see out either side so I imagine as the pilot you will be the one hitting the bomb release.

Speaking of crew, I don't think the interior would be too difficult to model since each is rather confined, and the compartments are small. The bomb bay perhaps may be larger but simpler than a cockpit. When it comes to the other stations, I am really not sure what a navigator does exactly or if that is even a seat worth filling in DCS, so perhaps someone may fill me in. The weapons officer I think is mainly there to operate the 23mm radar guided tail gun.

Then 3D modeling: There are surviving examples like the one pictured above among others out there. I am sure this would be achievable to a high standard.

Given all of that, it would probably be at a lower price point compared to stuff like the F-15E coming out since there is not a whole lot to simulate comparatively. That being said, if any devs would want to go all out on stuff like hydraulic systems, the gear-shaking itself apart and the like; by all means I would welcome it even if it justified a higher price. 3rd party devs more and more seem to be embracing minutia like this lately in their latest work which is great. This plane would disproportionately benefit from that nuance given it's reputation.

And with all of that said, we would be getting an entirely new animal in DCS; a true strategic bomber which at top speed would stand a real chance at running away from threats.

Cons:

There are really only two.

Flight modeling: By far this will be the most problematic, and is the obstacle standing in the way of getting more soviet aircraft in the game. Even this old and outdated aircraft is still largely classified and there is no sign of this changing.

The real hurdle is the aerodynamic data, I think. DCS prides itself as a platform which provides the best possible flight models, and the best way to ensure accuracy is to have the actual recorded data from those who designed, tested, and operated the real things. The latter may be possible, but seems unlikely in light of it's reputation as mentioned. The former two, not a chance. So a full Professional Flight Model is out of the question. But I am not entirely sure that is a deal-breaker.

If we look here: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/support/faq/general/ there is some interesting info. We can see there are certainly other alternatives to a full PFM. My interpretation of this is that it would require the developers to try and recreate the plane virtually and simulate aerodynamics based on their own model so they can iron make the flight model 'from scratch', but perhaps my phrasing is off or I am just wrong. I am guessing if this were possible then this is where the most painstaking work would be done. At least jets are easier to simulate accurately than props.

Sound Modeling:

I have no idea if any of the surviving examples still run. The only other aircraft to use its engines were the VM-T Atlant (Carried the Russian space shuttle Buran, both retired long ago), and the Caspian Sea Monster. Do any of these 3 types still run? Better yet, do any of their engines? If not I don't know how the sound can be modeled to an acceptable standard.

 

PROS & CONS POST-IMPLEMENTATION:

Pros:

We would have the first strategic bomber bolstering the already somewhat under-armed soviet/OPFOR side of things in multiplayer servers.
A very unique plane in DCS in terms of: 
Having a more modern gunner position as a fixed wing. 
Unique multicrew unlike the helis or twin-seat aircraft which have so far been implemented.
Unique and very heavy munitions which can be used for targets of opportunity, unlike the coming MOAB (See C-130 FAQ video on youtube).
Would be one of the heaviest flyable aircraft in DCS yet next to the coming C-130J
Would not be hindered at all lacking its nuclear capability since the bomber demonstrated more than adequate conventional capabilities IRL.
It would make a viable recon plane in cold war servers should such mechanics make it into the core game.

Cons:

This may give a sort of asymmetric advantage in multiplayer situations when it comes to the fact these things are perfectly capable of loft-tossing MOAB equivalent ordinance (FAB-9000s) at supersonic starting speeds with rather decent accuracy while avoiding AAA return fire + they can start this attack from beneath surface radar coverage. They did this reliably IRL during the Iran-Iraq and Chadian-Libyan war. AI bombers on the other side may counteract this just fine though as a balance mechanic. What may also take the edge off this unique capability is the fact that they will be limited in the airfields in which they can operate from due to high take-off & landing distances. This means the enemy will likely target their airfields more often and so they will need to be more heavily defended.

SUMMARY:

Once airborne they are quite unruly and will be vulnerable to supersonic fighters especially. This will mean that they are more prone to attrition if used carelessly and will punish mistakes on the part of the pilot especially ruthlessly. This demand for more skill from the players crewing it in terms of planning and pure flying finesse is where DCS ought to shine, I figure. Whether that is a con or not is up to you to decide. Overall their affect in DCS multiplayer is up to some speculation, but I think this would add something truly awesome and unexpected. Keep in mind that when this bomber first went into service, it could pretty much outrun anything else which had the armament to try and shoot it down, as mentioned in the video. With the F-100D Super Sabre on its way as well as the presence of several sub-sonic planes from the cold war in DCS, we might have some pretty interesting what if scenarios to try out. Should just one get through to a target with a good crew in control; ouchy. It would be interesting to see how much the munitions and airframes would need to be limited in the cold war servers to get a proper balance, but I definitely think every flight in one of these, especially with a crew of players trying to do their tasks (flying, defensive gunnery, and navigation) would be a unique adventure each.

 

FINAL NOTES:

There is an AI Tu-22 being worked on, you can see some progress here by Hawkeye60: https://forum.dcs.world/topic/318989-su-15-flagon-by-marco1985_it/#comment-5152022

Also read this post:

The idea in the last part of this post, in reply to a call for more REDFOR aircraft, is slowly already coming to fruition with the 3rd party development of the MiG-17 and Su-17/22 Fitter by Red Star simulations and Magnitude 3 respectively. Gives me a good feeling that one may look into this.

 

LASTLY:

If you have any more info on this plane/its variants please post a reply, I'd love to know more. Don't pull a WarThunder and leak stuff. If you are supportive of this being added, then giving this thread a good rating can potentially attract the right attention to it. If not then leave a suggestion if you'd like, and please be nice.

Addenda:

Some stuff which I feel deserves to make it into this post which was brought up by others:
The recon variants if implemented could have options in the mission editor to remove the camera equipment and allow for heavier conventional bomb loads. Nuclear munitions are ignored as ED has stated they do not ever plan to implement those, and this would have basically zero impact on the viability of this as a module in DCS given its conventional capabilities. I have also updated the pros & cons sections accordingly to other points I think are important which Vampyre made below.

Edited March 3, 2023 by Migratingcoconut

[bies]

This one would be fun, even take off and landing would be a challenge.

It had tandem cockpit arrangement like a fighter and it looked awesome.

[Silver_Dragon]

All my available Info about Tu-22 (Russian Aircrafts).

Tu-22A [Blinder A] Bomber
Man Rtng: 1.5/1.0 Damage Value: 42
Size/Signature: Large/Large Bombsight: Ballistic

Counterm: 1st Gen D Inflight Refuel: N
Sensors: Rubin-1 radar, Gen 0 RWR

Throttle Setting/Speed in knots
Altitude Cruise Full Mil Reheat
Low: 400 440 480
Med: 400 560 650
High: 400 700 815

Ceiling: 14700 meters Engine Type: TJ
Cruise Range: 2685 nmi Int Fuel: 42900 kg

Ordnance Loadouts: Payload: 3000 kg
Def Guns: tail R-23 23mm with PRS-3A Argon GFC radar (0.9)
• 24 FAB-250 or FAB-250TS or 24 OFAB-250
• 18 FAB-500 or 18 FAB-500TS or 2 FAB-5000 bombs
• 3 FAB-1500-2600TS or 6 FAB-1500 bombs
• 1 FAB-5000 or 1 FAB-9000 bomb (mid 70s)
• 42 FAB-100/250 or 24 FAB-500 or 8 FAB-1500 or 3 FAB-3000
• APP-22MS Avtomat-3 chaff dispenser, 16 FAB-250 or 12 FAB-500 or 4 FAB-1500 or 2 FAB-1500-2600TS or 2 FAB-3000 or 1 FAB-9000
• 1 7U31 nuclear bomb, APP-22MS chaff dispenser
• 1 Model 245N or Model 246N nuclear bomb (overload)
• 18 AMD-4-500M or IGDM-500 or MDM-3 or UDM-500 mines
• 8 ADM-2M or AMD-500M or APM or IGDM-1000 or AGDM-2M Lira mines

Remarks: In Svc: 1962 - 68
Can carry 12000 kg bombs, reduce internal fuel accordingly. Flown by 203th TBAP at Baranovichi only. Only 15 Tu-22A delivered 1959-60, used for trials and testing only. Mine loadouts estimated. APP-22 dispenser has 10 nmi chaff barrier.
• Export Tu-22B are Tu-22R conversions (see separate entry).

Tu-22KD [Blinder B] Bomber
Man Rtng: 1.5/1.0 Damage Value: 42
Size/Signature: Large/Large Bombsight: Ballistic

Counterm: 1st Gen J&D Inflight Refuel: P
Sensors: PN Rubin radar, Gen 0 RWR

Throttle Setting/Speed in knots
Altitude Cruise Full Mil Reheat
Low: 400 440 550
Med: 400 560/635 760/800
High: 400 700/755 860/920

Ceiling: 14500/15000 meters Engine Type: TJ
Cruise Range: 2525/2685 nmi Int Fuel: 44750 kg

Ordnance Loadouts: Payload: 9000 kg
Def Guns: tail R-23 23mm with PRS-3A Argon GFC radar (0.9)
• 1 Kh-22PG or 1 Kh-22PSI
• 1 Kh-22M or 1 Kh-22MA (1970s)
• 1 Kh-22MP (Tu-22KPD only)
• 24 FAB-250 or 24 OFAB-250
• 18 FAB-500
• Nuclear bombs as Tu-22A
Remarks: In Svc: 1967 - 1992
Deployed in 1965, but technical problems delayed IOC to 1967. Typical Tu-22 Regiment had two squadrons Tu-22KD (24-30), one squadron Tu-22PD (4-8). Considered difficult to inflight refuel due to poor handling, takes 2D6 Tactical Turns to make contact with tanker. Difficult to maintain, maintenance as 2nd Rate. Can increase payload to 12000 kg with reduced fuel.
• Tu-22K: Four delivered 1961-62. Not fitted with inflight refuel probe. Use first performance figures.
• Tu-22KD: 72 delivered 1965-69. Use second performance figures.
• Regiments (TBAP): - 121st TBAP Machoolishchi 1969 and 203rd TBAP Baranovichi, Belarus 1967 into Northern Europe; 341st TBAP Zhitomir, Ukraine 1968 into Central Europe, and antishipping in all theaters except Pacific - Black Sea FOL at Severmorsk; Northern Fleet FOL at Olengorsk.
• 1970s: Using new procedures, inflight refueling times as normal. Many maintenance problems solved, as 1st Rate. Fitted with Kh-22M and Kh-22MA.
• 1972: Fitted with 1st Gen J&D.
• 1973: Bomb trials. Can be converted to carry bombs as Tu-22A in 24 hours. Capability rarely used. Inflight refueling training ceases.
• 1976: Nuclear bomb capability removed.
• Late 80s: Due to arms control treaties, inflight refueling probes removed. Some fitted with 2nd Gen J&D and 1st Gen RWR, replacing 23mm - possibly known as Tu-22KDA.
• Jan 92: 34 a/c with 121st, 32 with 203rd, 30 with 341st.

Tu-22P [Blinder E] EW
Man Rtng: 1.5/1.0 Damage Value: 42
Size/Signature: Large/Large Bombsight: Ballistic

Counterm: 1st Gen D Inflight Refuel: N
Sensors: Rubin-1 radar, Gen 0 RWR, 1st Gen ES

Throttle Setting/Speed in knots
Altitude Cruise Full Mil Reheat
Low: 400 440 480
Med: 400 580/650 650
High: 400 700/755 815

Ceiling: 13800 meters Engine Type: TJ
Cruise Range: 2600/2765 nmi Int Fuel: 44750 kg

Def Guns: Tail R-23 23mm with PRS-3 Argon GFC radar (0.9)

Remarks: In Svc: 1963 - 92
Bay fitted with AP-22 chaff dispenser with 10 nmi chaff corridor and SPS-5 Fasol escort jammer, clutter rating 11. Jammer prevents use of Rubin radar or ES. One squadron of 4 Tu-22P in Tu-22R regiment, 6 Tu-22P in Tu-22K regiment. Originally used VD-7M engines, use first ranges and speeds.
• 1960-64: Seven Tu-22P delivered. Retired by 1980s.
• 1964-69: 40 Tu-22PD delivered with inflight refueling probe.
• 1965 - 70s: Fitted with RD-7M2 engines vice VD-7M, use second ranges and speeds.
• Late 70s - early 80s: Fitted with 2nd Gen J&D replacing 23mm.
• 1978: Fitted with 1st Gen RWR.
• Early 80s: Fasol replaced by SPS-55 Buket, clutter rating 13. Due to center of gravity issues with Buket weight, fuel reduced 2000 kg, range 2640 nmi.

Tu-22R [Blinder C] Recon
Man Rtng: 1.5/1.0 Damage Value: 44
Size/Signature: Large/Large Bombsight: Ballistic

Counterm: 1st Gen J&D Inflight Refuel: N
Sensors: Rubin-1 radar, Gen 0 RWR, ELINT, cameras (not search sensor)

Throttle Setting/Speed in knots
Altitude Cruise Full Mil Reheat
Low: 400 440 480
Med: 400 580/650 650
High: 400 700/755 815/865

Ceiling: 13500 meters Engine Type: TJ
Cruise Range: 2685/2850 nmi Int Fuel: 48500 kg

Ordnance Loadouts: Payload: --
Def Guns: tail R-23 23mm with PRS-3 Argon GFC radar (0.9)
• none as recon
• 24 FAB-250 or 18 FAB-500 or 6 FAB-1500
• APP-22, 16 FAB-250 or 12 FAB-500 or 4 FAB-1500 or 2 FAB-3000 or 1 FAB-5000 ot 1 FAB-9000
• 1 nuclear bomb (as Tu-22A)

Remarks: In Svc: Jun 62 - 94
‘Sheelo’ (Awl). Can restore bomber capability with loadouts as above. Can carry standoff jammers vice recce equipment, clutter rating 11. APP-22 dispenser has 10 nmi chaff barrier. Originally used VD-7M engines, use first ranges and speeds.
• Tu-22R: 96 delivered 1961-65.
• Tu-22RD: 31 delivered 1965-67 with inflight refuel probe. Last 5 are Tu-22AD as bombers with recon capability removed. 
• Tu-22B: Export bomber with reconnaissance and nuclear bombs removed. 12 to Iraq 1974-79 and 8 to Libya 1977-83. FAB-5000 and FAB-9000 not cleared for export.
• Tu-22RDK: 12 Tu-22RD conversions 1979 with ELINT upgraded to 2nd Gen, sensor link added. Flown by one squadron of 199th ODRAP.
• Tu-22RDM [Blinder C Mod]: 12 Tu-22RD conversions 1981-82 with improved cameras, Shompol SLAR, ELINT, COMINT, IRLS and 2nd Gen J&D vice tail guns.
• Air Force Regiments: 65 a/c with 121st ODRAP Machoolishchi, Belarus 1965-69; 199th Guards ODRAP Nezhin, Ukraine 1965-94 West & South; 290th ODRAP Zyabrovka, Belarus 1963-94 Baltic, North.
• Navy Regiments: 62 a/c with 15th OMRAP at Chkalovks, Baltic Jun 62-89, FOC Jun 63; 40th OMRAP at Saki, Black Sea 1965-94.
• 1965: Inflight refueling operational.
• 1965 - 70s: Fitted with RD-7M2 engines, use second ranges and speeds. Probably Tu-22RD as standard.
• Mid 1970s - 80s: Some Tu-22RD fitted with 2nd Gen J&D replacing 23mm cannon.
• 1978?: Some fitted with 1st Gen RWR.
• Jan 92: 26 aircraft with 199th Guards and 30 with 290th.

* Radars:
Country / System / Function / Gen / Large / Medium / Small / VSmall / Stealthy / Engagements Targets / Arc / IOC / Remarks
Russia Rubin-1 [Down Beat] SS 2 316 177 101 57 32 -- 360° 1962
Russia PN Rubin [Down Beat] SS 3 270 188 108 60 34 -- 180° 1968 Tu-22KD

Edited March 2, 2023 by Silver_Dragon

[Migratingcoconut]

Spoiler

All my available Info about Tu-22 (Russian Aircrafts).

Tu-22A [Blinder A] Bomber
Man Rtng: 1.5/1.0 Damage Value: 42
Size/Signature: Large/Large Bombsight: Ballistic

Counterm: 1st Gen D Inflight Refuel: N
Sensors: Rubin-1 radar, Gen 0 RWR

Throttle Setting/Speed in knots
Altitude Cruise Full Mil Reheat
Low: 400 440 480
Med: 400 560 650
High: 400 700 815

Ceiling: 14700 meters Engine Type: TJ
Cruise Range: 2685 nmi Int Fuel: 42900 kg

Ordnance Loadouts: Payload: 3000 kg
Def Guns: tail R-23 23mm with PRS-3A Argon GFC radar (0.9)
• 24 FAB-250 or FAB-250TS or 24 OFAB-250
• 18 FAB-500 or 18 FAB-500TS or 2 FAB-5000 bombs
• 3 FAB-1500-2600TS or 6 FAB-1500 bombs
• 1 FAB-5000 or 1 FAB-9000 bomb (mid 70s)
• 42 FAB-100/250 or 24 FAB-500 or 8 FAB-1500 or 3 FAB-3000
• APP-22MS Avtomat-3 chaff dispenser, 16 FAB-250 or 12 FAB-500 or 4 FAB-1500 or 2 FAB-1500-2600TS or 2 FAB-3000 or 1 FAB-9000
• 1 7U31 nuclear bomb, APP-22MS chaff dispenser
• 1 Model 245N or Model 246N nuclear bomb (overload)
• 18 AMD-4-500M or IGDM-500 or MDM-3 or UDM-500 mines
• 8 ADM-2M or AMD-500M or APM or IGDM-1000 or AGDM-2M Lira mines

Remarks: In Svc: 1962 - 68
Can carry 12000 kg bombs, reduce internal fuel accordingly. Flown by 203th TBAP at Baranovichi only. Only 15 Tu-22A delivered 1959-60, used for trials and testing only. Mine loadouts estimated. APP-22 dispenser has 10 nmi chaff barrier.
• Export Tu-22B are Tu-22R conversions (see separate entry).

Tu-22KD [Blinder B] Bomber
Man Rtng: 1.5/1.0 Damage Value: 42
Size/Signature: Large/Large Bombsight: Ballistic

Counterm: 1st Gen J&D Inflight Refuel: P
Sensors: PN Rubin radar, Gen 0 RWR

Throttle Setting/Speed in knots
Altitude Cruise Full Mil Reheat
Low: 400 440 550
Med: 400 560/635 760/800
High: 400 700/755 860/920

Ceiling: 14500/15000 meters Engine Type: TJ
Cruise Range: 2525/2685 nmi Int Fuel: 44750 kg

Ordnance Loadouts: Payload: 9000 kg
Def Guns: tail R-23 23mm with PRS-3A Argon GFC radar (0.9)
• 1 Kh-22PG or 1 Kh-22PSI
• 1 Kh-22M or 1 Kh-22MA (1970s)
• 1 Kh-22MP (Tu-22KPD only)
• 24 FAB-250 or 24 OFAB-250
• 18 FAB-500
• Nuclear bombs as Tu-22A
Remarks: In Svc: 1967 - 1992
Deployed in 1965, but technical problems delayed IOC to 1967. Typical Tu-22 Regiment had two squadrons Tu-22KD (24-30), one squadron Tu-22PD (4-8). Considered difficult to inflight refuel due to poor handling, takes 2D6 Tactical Turns to make contact with tanker. Difficult to maintain, maintenance as 2nd Rate. Can increase payload to 12000 kg with reduced fuel.
• Tu-22K: Four delivered 1961-62. Not fitted with inflight refuel probe. Use first performance figures.
• Tu-22KD: 72 delivered 1965-69. Use second performance figures.
• Regiments (TBAP): - 121st TBAP Machoolishchi 1969 and 203rd TBAP Baranovichi, Belarus 1967 into Northern Europe; 341st TBAP Zhitomir, Ukraine 1968 into Central Europe, and antishipping in all theaters except Pacific - Black Sea FOL at Severmorsk; Northern Fleet FOL at Olengorsk.
• 1970s: Using new procedures, inflight refueling times as normal. Many maintenance problems solved, as 1st Rate. Fitted with Kh-22M and Kh-22MA.
• 1972: Fitted with 1st Gen J&D.
• 1973: Bomb trials. Can be converted to carry bombs as Tu-22A in 24 hours. Capability rarely used. Inflight refueling training ceases.
• 1976: Nuclear bomb capability removed.
• Late 80s: Due to arms control treaties, inflight refueling probes removed. Some fitted with 2nd Gen J&D and 1st Gen RWR, replacing 23mm - possibly known as Tu-22KDA.
• Jan 92: 34 a/c with 121st, 32 with 203rd, 30 with 341st.

Tu-22P [Blinder E] EW
Man Rtng: 1.5/1.0 Damage Value: 42
Size/Signature: Large/Large Bombsight: Ballistic

Counterm: 1st Gen D Inflight Refuel: N
Sensors: Rubin-1 radar, Gen 0 RWR, 1st Gen ES

Throttle Setting/Speed in knots
Altitude Cruise Full Mil Reheat
Low: 400 440 480
Med: 400 580/650 650
High: 400 700/755 815

Ceiling: 13800 meters Engine Type: TJ
Cruise Range: 2600/2765 nmi Int Fuel: 44750 kg

Def Guns: Tail R-23 23mm with PRS-3 Argon GFC radar (0.9)

Remarks: In Svc: 1963 - 92
Bay fitted with AP-22 chaff dispenser with 10 nmi chaff corridor and SPS-5 Fasol escort jammer, clutter rating 11. Jammer prevents use of Rubin radar or ES. One squadron of 4 Tu-22P in Tu-22R regiment, 6 Tu-22P in Tu-22K regiment. Originally used VD-7M engines, use first ranges and speeds.
• 1960-64: Seven Tu-22P delivered. Retired by 1980s.
• 1964-69: 40 Tu-22PD delivered with inflight refueling probe.
• 1965 - 70s: Fitted with RD-7M2 engines vice VD-7M, use second ranges and speeds.
• Late 70s - early 80s: Fitted with 2nd Gen J&D replacing 23mm.
• 1978: Fitted with 1st Gen RWR.
• Early 80s: Fasol replaced by SPS-55 Buket, clutter rating 13. Due to center of gravity issues with Buket weight, fuel reduced 2000 kg, range 2640 nmi.

Tu-22R [Blinder C] Recon
Man Rtng: 1.5/1.0 Damage Value: 44
Size/Signature: Large/Large Bombsight: Ballistic

Counterm: 1st Gen J&D Inflight Refuel: N
Sensors: Rubin-1 radar, Gen 0 RWR, ELINT, cameras (not search sensor)

Throttle Setting/Speed in knots
Altitude Cruise Full Mil Reheat
Low: 400 440 480
Med: 400 580/650 650
High: 400 700/755 815/865

Ceiling: 13500 meters Engine Type: TJ
Cruise Range: 2685/2850 nmi Int Fuel: 48500 kg

Ordnance Loadouts: Payload: --
Def Guns: tail R-23 23mm with PRS-3 Argon GFC radar (0.9)
• none as recon
• 24 FAB-250 or 18 FAB-500 or 6 FAB-1500
• APP-22, 16 FAB-250 or 12 FAB-500 or 4 FAB-1500 or 2 FAB-3000 or 1 FAB-5000 ot 1 FAB-9000
• 1 nuclear bomb (as Tu-22A)

Remarks: In Svc: Jun 62 - 94
‘Sheelo’ (Awl). Can restore bomber capability with loadouts as above. Can carry standoff jammers vice recce equipment, clutter rating 11. APP-22 dispenser has 10 nmi chaff barrier. Originally used VD-7M engines, use first ranges and speeds.
• Tu-22R: 96 delivered 1961-65.
• Tu-22RD: 31 delivered 1965-67 with inflight refuel probe. Last 5 are Tu-22AD as bombers with recon capability removed. 
• Tu-22B: Export bomber with reconnaissance and nuclear bombs removed. 12 to Iraq 1974-79 and 8 to Libya 1977-83. FAB-5000 and FAB-9000 not cleared for export.
• Tu-22RDK: 12 Tu-22RD conversions 1979 with ELINT upgraded to 2nd Gen, sensor link added. Flown by one squadron of 199th ODRAP.
• Tu-22RDM [Blinder C Mod]: 12 Tu-22RD conversions 1981-82 with improved cameras, Shompol SLAR, ELINT, COMINT, IRLS and 2nd Gen J&D vice tail guns.
• Air Force Regiments: 65 a/c with 121st ODRAP Machoolishchi, Belarus 1965-69; 199th Guards ODRAP Nezhin, Ukraine 1965-94 West & South; 290th ODRAP Zyabrovka, Belarus 1963-94 Baltic, North.
• Navy Regiments: 62 a/c with 15th OMRAP at Chkalovks, Baltic Jun 62-89, FOC Jun 63; 40th OMRAP at Saki, Black Sea 1965-94.
• 1965: Inflight refueling operational.
• 1965 - 70s: Fitted with RD-7M2 engines, use second ranges and speeds. Probably Tu-22RD as standard.
• Mid 1970s - 80s: Some Tu-22RD fitted with 2nd Gen J&D replacing 23mm cannon.
• 1978?: Some fitted with 1st Gen RWR.
• Jan 92: 26 aircraft with 199th Guards and 30 with 290th.

Seeing the similarity between the loadouts and such, it really seems like it would be pretty easy to make them all. The only real standout difference is the trainer variant since it has an extra bulge on top. The others just have stuff added and perhaps slightly different cockpit layouts/bulges under the nose.

[Vampyre]

I'm a big fan of 70's and 80's cold war aircraft and would really appreciate an actual cold war bomber like the Blinder. I highly doubt we will see a full fidelity Tu-22M3 in game so a Blinder would be the next best thing. Tu-22KD and KPD missile carriers and the Tu-22B bomber versions would be very interesting platforms to have in game. Not only would they be difficult to handle, they would also be difficult to employ successfully. The western contemporaries like the B-58 Hustler and Mirage IV were nuclear only platforms but the Blinders had a robust conventional capability and long service life that lends itself well to DCS. Even the Tu-22RD had a conventional bombing capability and if ED ever creates any actual reconnaissance gameplay that would be another mission it could be used for. The Iraqi and Libyan Tu-22B's were Modified Tu-22R's that had their cameras and other sensors removed.  ED, being afraid to model special weapons in game, should not have a problem with the Blinder as the missiles used on the KD and KPD versions (ASM, ARM and Land Attack) had both nuclear and conventional warhead variants. They could just do like they do with the Blinders what they already do with the modern aircraft already in DCS and completely ignore the nuclear capability. The biggest problem I see is the maps... not particularly the size of the maps but the size of the runways on the maps as this particular aircraft used a lot of real estate for its takeoff and landing rolls. The four RATO bottles under the wings would help a bit but it will still be extremely limited by the airfields it can be based at within the DCS maps. I would like to see this as a full fidelity module in DCS because Soviet aircraft designs are interesting and for having a supersonic aircraft that cam lob toss a 20,000lb conventional bomb. Just imagine the fear that would cause in cold war MP servers. Being the number one target and successfully executing a mission would be great fun.

[Migratingcoconut]

I did not know it had RATO bottles, but that figures as they even put them on the MiG-21. Parachutes would be useful for getting stopped in much shorter distances but then I imagine you are ferrying it back to the longer runways at the lightest possible weight at best from there which would be pushing it. Also I included some of your other points into the main post since I thought they were quite good: namely how the RD could make room for the larger conventional loads. That would be like a mission editor type option I think similar to how you can remove addon armor, exhaust IR suppressors, and cargo doors off of the Mi-8.

[Vampyre]

Don't forget about the meta game where you take a shot of bottom shelf vodka after every successful sortie until you either die in a fireball or pass out at your controls while waiting for refuel and rearm.

[Angelthunder]

I remember this aircraft from my days playing the old Janes combat flight simulators.but what is the point of this thread.Is someone or some third party interested in making a full fidelity Russian Bomber.

 

[Vampyre]

2 hours ago, Angelthunder said:

I remember this aircraft from my days playing the old Janes combat flight simulators.but what is the point of this thread.Is someone or some third party interested in making a full fidelity Russian Bomber.

 

This is a wish list sub forum thread. We are indicating that we want it and elaborating as to why it would be a good subject for DCS.

[MiG21bisFishbedL]

This absolute disaster? I'm in. You have impeccable taste.

[Vampyre]

The Tu-22 would add interesting cold war gameplay and an actual bomber in DCS. The Syria map has the H3 airfields where the Iraqi Tu-22B's were based. The upcoming Kola Peninsula would be a great map for the missile carriers. Pretty much any map would be good though because this is DCS. The mission maker will decide how to best use the assets available. The cold war MP servers would have a deep strike platform to add flavor to the missions. Another issue I have noted is that there is no equivalent bluefor aircraft available as with a similar capability. Most of the bluefor types in the same category are nuclear only platforms (B-58, Mirage IV) so the closest to similar bluefor aircraft in the time period would be the F-111.

[JudgementalRooster]

I'd be happy to have it even in FC3 level.

[Vampyre]

Interesting to see how the swiss cheese model works.... what a goat rope!