Trumpeter 1/72 01656 Tu-22M3 Backfire-C Strategic Bomber

Details of Trumpeter 1/72 01656 Tu-22M3 Backfire-C Strategic Bomber

Basic Specifications

• Brand: Trumpeter
• Item No.: 01656
• Scale: 1/72
• Subject: Soviet / Russian Air Force Tupolev Tu-22M3 (NATO: Backfire C) Variable-sweep Wing Supersonic Strategic Bomber
• Material: Plastic
• Finished Size: Length 591.8mm × Wingspan 475.7mm (fully extended wings)

Kit Contents

• Total around 398 plastic parts
• Photo-etched detail parts included
• Clear transparent parts for multi-crew cockpit and cabin windows
• Two NK-25 turbofan engine and exhaust nozzle assemblies
• Kh-22 (AS-4 Kitchen) heavy anti-ship missile, free-fall bomb components and internal bomb bay parts
• Decals & assembly instruction manual
• Unpainted and unassembled kit, paint and glue not included

Product Features

• Accurately reproduced Tu-22M3 Backfire C, the final mass-produced variant of the Tu-22M supersonic bomber family
• Faithfully modelled variable geometry swing wings, can be built in maximum swept or fully extended wing configuration
• New wedge-shaped rectangular side air intakes, the most prominent visual difference compared with earlier Tu-22M2
• 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
• Openable internal bomb bay, plus fuselage hardpoints for carrying Kh-22 large supersonic anti-ship missiles
• Tail turret with twin GSh-23 23mm defensive cannon assembly
• Precise multi-wheel tricycle landing gear with detailed wheel wells and heavy-duty struts
• Multiple marking options for Russian Air Force and former Ukrainian Air Force liveries

Historical Background

• The Tu-22M3 Backfire C was developed by Tupolev Design Bureau, prototype maiden flight in June 1977, mass production began in 1978 and entered formal service in 1989.
• Powered by two upgraded NK-25 afterburning turbofan engines, maximum wing sweep angle increased to 65 degrees, delivering superior low-level supersonic penetration performance versus Tu-22M2.
• It can carry up to three Kh-22 anti-ship missiles or a large load of conventional free-fall bombs, capable of both nuclear strike and anti-carrier combat missions.
• This variant became the backbone of Soviet and later Russian long-range strike force. Production halted in 1993 after the collapse of USSR.
• A portion of surviving airframes were later upgraded to Tu-22M3M standard, and these bombers are still active in Russian Air Force combat operations.