The Tu-95MS is one of the most unusual aircraft in Russian long-range aviation. This machine with four turboprop engines appeared back in the Soviet era, but decades later it continues to perform the tasks of a strategic missile carrier. At the same time, modern versions have received new equipment and the ability to use long-range cruise missiles.

"Perviy Tekhnicheskiy" answers three main questions about this aircraft.

How many Tu-95MS does Russia have left?

The exact number of combat-ready Tu-95MS is not officially disclosed. In early 2022, Western experts estimated the fleet at approximately 50–60 aircraft.

The aircraft is no longer mass-produced. Production of the Tu-95MS ended in the early 1990s, so each surviving aircraft represents an irreplaceable resource for long-range aviation. OAK continues the program of modernizing the aircraft to the Tu-95MSM level.

What missiles does the Tu-95MS carry?

The main strike missile of the Tu-95MS became the Kh-101 with a conventional warhead. The nuclear variant of this missile is considered to be the Kh-102. On the modernized Tu-95MSM, eight such missiles are placed on external hardpoints.

Thus, depending on the modification and armament, the Tu-95MS can use six or more cruise missiles, and has the ability to carry up to eight Kh-101/Kh-102 on external pylons.

Why hasn't the Tu-95 been replaced yet?

The aircraft was designed in the early 1950s, but the concept itself proved to be extraordinarily resilient.

The Tu-95MS does not need to develop supersonic speed: its task is to lift missiles and reach their launch point. Therefore, the flight range and fuel efficiency of the four NK-12MP engines play a huge role.

OAK calls the Tu-95MS the world's fastest production turboprop missile carrier. The maximum speed of the aircraft reaches approximately 830 km/h, and the maximum combat load is up to 20 tons.