Trumpeter 1/72 01655 Tu-22M2 Backfire B Strategic Bomber

Details of Trumpeter 1/72 01655 Tu-22M2 Backfire B Strategic Bomber

Basic Specifications

• Brand: Trumpeter
• Item No.: 01655
• Scale: 1/72
• Subject: Soviet Air Force Tupolev Tu-22M2 (NATO: Backfire B) Variable-sweep Wing Supersonic Strategic Bomber
• Material: Plastic
• Finished Size: Length 576mm × Wingspan 478mm (fully extended wings)

Kit Contents

• Total around 450 plastic parts
• Photo-etched detail parts included
• Clear transparent parts for multi-crew cockpit and cabin windows
• Two NK-22 turbofan engine and exhaust nozzle assemblies
• Kh-22 (AS-4 Kitchen) anti-ship missile components, internal bomb bay and free-fall bomb parts
• Decals & assembly instruction manual
• Unpainted and unassembled kit, paint and glue not included

Product Features

• Accurately reproduced Tu-22M2 Backfire B, the first mass-produced variant of the Tu-22M supersonic bomber family
• Faithfully modelled variable geometry swing wings, can be built in swept or extended wing display configuration
• Fully detailed multi-seat cockpit for pilot, co-pilot, navigator and weapon systems officer
• Fine engraved panel lines and rivet details across fuselage, variable wings and empennage
• Distinctive large side air intakes and twin NK-22 engine nacelles mounted above fuselage
• Openable internal bomb bay, plus hardpoints under fixed wing sections and semi-conformal fuselage mount for Kh-22 heavy anti-ship missiles
• Tail turret with twin GSh-23 23mm defensive cannon assembly
• Precise multi-wheel tricycle landing gear with detailed wheel wells and struts
• Multiple marking options for Soviet Long-Range Aviation and Soviet Naval Air Force units

Historical Background

• The Tu-22M2 (NATO reporting name Backfire B) was developed by Tupolev Design Bureau. Its maiden flight took place in May 1973 and entered service in 1975.
• Powered by two NK-22 afterburning turbofan engines, it was capable of supersonic low-level penetration. Total production of Tu-22M2 reached 211 airframes.
• Primary missions included anti-carrier strikes with Kh-22 large anti-ship missiles, strategic bombing and maritime reconnaissance. It could carry conventional ordnance or nuclear weapons.
• It was the backbone of Soviet long-range strike force in the 1970s and early 1980s, before being gradually replaced by the upgraded Tu-22M3 variant.
• After the collapse of the USSR, surviving Tu-22M2 airframes were retired by Russia due to aging, maintenance costs and the superior performance of M3 version.