Tupolev Tu-16

{{Short description|Soviet heavy bomber}}  {{Infobox aircraft |name = Tupolev Tu-16 |image = File:Tupolev Tu-16 flies over USS Hewitt (DD-966) c1978.jpg |caption = A Tu-16 flying over USS ''Hewitt'' c.1978 |type = Strategic bomber |national_origin = Soviet Union |manufacturer = Voronezh Aircraft Production Association<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vaso.ru/?menu=planes_p05|title=Предприятие|website=www.vaso.ru|access-date=6 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506214733/http://www.vaso.ru/?menu=planes_p05|archive-date=6 May 2018}}</ref> |designer = Tupolev |first_flight = 27 April 1952 |introduction = 1954 |retired = |produced = 1952–1962 |number_built = 1,509 |status = In service with China as Xi'an H-6 |primary_user = People's Liberation Army Air Force |more_users = Russian Air Force (historical) Egyptian Air Force (historical) Iraqi Air Force (historical) |developed_from = |variants = Xi'an H-6 |developed_into = Tupolev Tu-104 Tupolev Tu-124 Tupolev Tu-107 }}

The '''Tupolev Tu-16''' (USAF/DOD reporting name '''Type 39''';<ref>Jane's All the World's Aircraft p. 188</ref> NATO reporting name: '''Badger''')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/non-us/soviet.html#_Listings_Bombers|title=Designations of Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft and Missiles|website=www.designation-systems.net|access-date=6 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011201653/http://www.designation-systems.net/non-us/soviet.html#_Listings_Bombers|archive-date=11 October 2017}}</ref> is a twin-engined jet strategic heavy bomber used by the Soviet Union. It has been flown for almost 70 years. While many aircraft in Soviet service were retired after the Cold War ended, a Chinese license-built version, the Xi'an H-6, remains in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force.

The bomber saw decades of combat use with the Egyptian and Iraqi Air Forces. Egypt conducted its first combat use in the North Yemen civil war, later in the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War against Israel, and briefly in the Egyptian–Libyan War. Iraq also used the bomber in the Six-Day War, and later the Iran–Iraq War.

China began license production of Tu-16s in 1959, and developed the H-6 version by 1968. Modern variants such as the H-6K are still being produced {{As of|2020|lc=y}}.<ref name="buying_bombers">{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2020/11/16/the-chinese-air-force-sure-is-buying-a-lot-of-bombers/|title=The Chinese Air Force Sure Is Buying A Lot Of Bombers|first=David|last=Axe|date=16 November 2020|website=Forbes|access-date=24 September 2023|archive-date=27 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527010741/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2020/11/16/the-chinese-air-force-sure-is-buying-a-lot-of-bombers/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Development== [[File:Tu-16.jpg|thumb|left|Tu-16 bomber at the Monino Museum (1998)]]

In the late 1940s, the Soviet Union was strongly committed to matching the United States in strategic bombing capability. The Soviets' only long-range bomber at the time was Tupolev's Tu-4 "Bull", a reverse-engineered copy of the American B-29 Superfortress. The development of the notably powerful Mikulin AM-3 turbojet led to the possibility of a large, jet-powered bomber.

The Tupolev design bureau began work on the '''Tu-88''' ("Aircraft N") prototypes in 1950. The Tu-88 first flew on 27 April 1952. After winning a competition against the Ilyushin Il-46, it was approved for production in December 1952. The first production bombers entered service with Frontal Aviation in 1954, receiving the service designation '''Tu-16'''. It received the NATO reporting name '''Badger-A'''.

thumb|Rear side view of a Tu-16 Badger reconnaissance variant (most likely a Tu-16R) c.1989

It had a new, large swept wing and two large Mikulin AM-3 turbojets, one in each wing root. It could carry a single massive FAB-9000 {{cvt|9000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} bomb (the Russian equivalent in terms of size of the British Grand Slam, but a conventional bomb rather than a deep ground penetrator) or various nuclear weapons for a range of around {{cvt|4800|km|mi|abbr=on}}. Production took place in three aviation plants, Kazan Aircraft Production Association, Kuybyshev, and Voronezh Aircraft Production Association.

In 1955, a Tu-16 was used to drop RDS-37, the Soviet Union's first thermonuclear weapon, over Semipalatinsk Test Site, Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Adushkin |first=V. V. |date=2004-11-01 |title=Era of Experimental Explosions in Geophysics |url=https://doi.org/10.1023/B:CESW.0000048262.89632.51 |journal=Combustion, Explosion and Shock Waves |language=en |volume=40 |issue=6 |pages=615–624 |doi=10.1023/B:CESW.0000048262.89632.51 |issn=1573-8345|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Although the Tu-16 began as a high-altitude, free-fall bomber, in the mid-1950s, it was equipped to carry early Soviet cruise missiles. The '''Tu-16KS-1''' ('''Badger-B''') version could carry AS-1 missiles over a combat radius of {{cvt|1800|km|mi|abbr=on}}. These very large weapons were aerodynamically similar to the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 fighter, fitted with either a nuclear or conventional warhead, having a range of about {{cvt|140|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}}. They were intended for use primarily against US Navy aircraft carriers and other large surface ships. Subsequent Tu-16s were converted to carry later, more advanced missiles, while their designations changed several times.

thumb|Egyptian Tu-16s c.1980

A versatile design, the Tu-16 was built in numerous specialized variants for aerial reconnaissance, maritime surveillance, electronic intelligence gathering (ELINT), and electronic warfare (ECM). In total, 1,507 aircraft were constructed in three plants in the Soviet Union, in 1954–1962. A civilian adaptation, the Tupolev Tu-104, saw passenger service with Aeroflot. The Tu-16 was also exported to Indonesia, Egypt, and Iraq. It continued to be used by the Air Forces and naval aviation of the Soviet Union and subsequently Russia, until 1993.

Delivery of the Tu-16 to China began in 1958, and the Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation license-produced the aircraft under the Chinese designation Xian H-6.<ref name="AirForceWorld.com_Tu-16_bomber_nuclear_test_China" /> The Soviets provided China with semi-knocked down and complete knock down kits, as well as raw materials for manufacture. The first Chinese-assembled Tu-16 was completed and flown in 1959. After the Sino-Soviet split, the first full domestically-produced H-6 took flight in December 1968.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-07 |title=Tupolev Tu-16/Xian H-6 - War History |url=https://warhistory.org/@msw/article/tupolev-tu-16xian-h-6 |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=warhistory.org |language=en-US}}</ref> At least 120 of H-6 aircraft remain in service. On 14 May 1965, one of the PLAAF Tu-16 bombers carried out the first airborne nuclear weapon test inside China.<ref name="AirForceWorld.com_Tu-16_bomber_nuclear_test_China">{{cite web |url=http://www.airforceworld.com/bomber/Tu-16_Badger_Bomber_Soviet_Union.htm |title=Tu-16 bomber carried out nuclear bomb test in China, 1965 |work=AirForceWorld.com |access-date=15 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906140941/http://www.airforceworld.com/bomber/Tu-16_Badger_Bomber_Soviet_Union.htm |archive-date=6 September 2011 }}</ref>

== Operational history == {{Expand Russian|topic=transp|section=yes}}

thumb|Ventral gun turret === Egypt === The Tu-16 was first used during the North Yemen civil war by the Egyptian Air Force.<ref name=":0">Nasser's Gamble: How Intervention in Yemen Caused the Six-Day War and the Decline of Egyptian Power. Jesse Ferris. Princeton University Press, 2013. P.97</ref>

In the Six-Day War, the Israeli Air Force destroyed on the ground 23 of Egypt's 25 Tu-16s, using napalm and cluster munitions.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="автоссылка2">{{Cite web|url=http://skywar.ru/eafbombers2.html|title=Египетские бомбардировщики в боях за Синай. Часть 2. Ту-16|access-date=2021-07-04|archive-date=2021-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204151/http://skywar.ru/eafbombers2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the Yom Kippur War, the Egyptian Air Force made extensive use of Tu-16 variants for bombing runs, and the Tu-16K variant for missile attacks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Египетские бомбардировщики в боях за Синай - Авиация в локальных конфликтах - www.skywar.ru |url=http://skywar.ru/eafbombers2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204151/http://skywar.ru/eafbombers2.html |archive-date=2021-06-24 |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=skywar.ru}}</ref>

In the Egyptian–Libyan War, Egypt used Tu-16s to strike Libyan bases and radars.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Египетско-Ливийский конфликт - Авиация в локальных конфликтах - www.skywar.ru |url=http://www.skywar.ru/libeg.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516195529/http://www.skywar.ru/libeg.html |archive-date=2017-05-16 |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=www.skywar.ru}}</ref>

=== Iraq === Tu-16s of the Iraqi Air Force carried out bombing raids on Israel during the Six-Day War. In one such raid, a Tu-16 was damaged and crashed into a barracks at the Ramat David Airbase, killing its crew and 11 to 14 Israeli reservists.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leone |first=Dario |date=2023-07-31 |title=The story of the Iraqi Tu-16 bomber that strafed Ramat David Israeli Air Force Base by means of its defensive barbettes during the Six-Day War |url=https://theaviationgeekclub.com/the-story-of-the-iraqi-tu-16-bomber-that-strafed-ramat-david-israeli-air-force-base-by-means-of-its-defensive-barbettes-during-the-six-day-war/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=The Aviation Geek Club |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Iraq made use of Tu-16s during the Iran–Iraq War, including to bomb advancing Iranian troops during the Siege of Basra,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Потеря Ту-16 09.01.1987 - Авиация в локальных конфликтах - www.skywar.ru |url=http://www.skywar.ru/09-01-1987.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023202924/http://www.skywar.ru/09-01-1987.html |archive-date=2018-10-23 |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=www.skywar.ru}}</ref> and to carpet bombing the Iranian capital of Tehran.<ref>The Iran-Iraq War. Pierre Razoux, Harvard University Press, 2015. P.327</ref> Iraqi H-6s also made extensive use of the Chinese-exported C-601 anti-ship missile as part of the Tanker war.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roblin |first=Sebastien |date=2016-12-18 |title=China's H-6 Bomber: Everything You Want to Know about Beijing's 'B-52' Circling Taiwan |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/chinas-h-6-bomber-everything-you-want-know-about-beijings-b-18772 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010156/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/chinas-h-6-bomber-everything-you-want-know-about-beijings-b-18772 |archive-date=2018-11-07 |access-date=2025-12-22 |work=The National Interest |language=en}}</ref>

During the Gulf War, at least 3 Tu-16s of the Iraqi Air Force were destroyed on the ground.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNITED STATES NAVY IN DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM |url=https://www.gulflink.osd.mil/histories/db/navy/usnavy_101.html |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=www.gulflink.osd.mil}}</ref>

=== Indonesia === Tupolev Tu-16 in Indonesian service saw only provocation and intimidation use in the Indonesia-Malaysian confrontation where 3 was reportedly conducting intimidation missions 2 of which dropped pamphlets in Malaysia while another reportedly flew into Australian territory as a show of force.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matanasi |first=Petrik |date=2024-01-07 |title=Waktu Punya Tupolev, Angkatan Udara Indonesia Kuat |url=https://www.historia.id/article/waktu-punya-tupolev-angkatan-udara-indonesia-kuat-vgmrn |access-date=2026-04-02 |website=Historia.ID |language=id}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Media |first=Kompas Cyber |date=2022-11-18 |title=Kisah Pesawat Pengebom Tu-16 AURI, Menembus Jantung Benua Australia Tanpa Terdeteksi Radar Halaman all - Kompas.com |url=https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2022/11/18/11102901/kisah-pesawat-pengebom-tu-16-auri-menembus-jantung-benua-australia-tanpa?page=all |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241130064316/https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2022/11/18/11102901/kisah-pesawat-pengebom-tu-16-auri-menembus-jantung-benua-australia-tanpa?page=all |archive-date=2024-11-30 |access-date=2026-04-02 |work=KOMPAS.com |language=id}}</ref>

Later on 7 December 1963, as part of the larger Indonesian-Malaysian Confrontation an Indonesian Tupolev Tu-16 bomber flew over Tawau bay and bombed the town twice.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Affairs |first=Malaysia Ministry of External |url=https://books.google.co.id/books?id=4nscAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y |title=Indonesian Aggression Against Malaysia |date=1964 |publisher=Ministry of External Affairs |language=en}}</ref>

==Variants== {{see also|Xian H-6}}

Among the main production variants of the Badger were the Tu-16 and Tu-16A bombers and Tu-16KS and Tu-16K-10 missile carriers, Tu-16SPS, "Elka", and Tu-16Ye ECM aircraft, Tu-16R reconnaissance aircraft, and Tu-16T torpedo bombers; others were produced from conversions. Individual aircraft could be modified several times, with designations changed, especially concerning missile-carrying aircraft.

* '''"Aircraft 88"''' – Initial prototype. * '''"Aircraft 97"''' – Twin-engined long-range bomber development project of Tu-16 with two RD-5 engines. * '''"Aircraft 103"''' – Supersonic bomber development project of Tu-16 with four VD-7 AM-13 engines. * '''Badger A (Tu-16)''' – This is the basic configuration of the Tu-16 bomber deployed in 1954 to replace the Tu-4. Several modified models of this variant existed, all of which were known as Badger A in the West. ** '''Tu-16A''' – Modified Tu-16s designed to carry nuclear bombs, one of main versions, with 453 built. Many of these were subsequently converted into other variants. ** '''Tu-16Z''' – An early specialized version of the Tu-16 that served as airborne tankers (a refuelling method: wing-to-wing), though retaining their medium bomber role. ** '''Tu-16G (Tu-104G)''' – Fast air mail model, Aeroflot aircrew training version. ** '''Tu-16N''' – A dedicated tanker version for Tu-22/Tu-22M bombers, with probe and drogue system. Entered service in 1963. Similar aircraft Tu-16NN converted from Tu-16Z. ** '''Tu-16T''' – Limited production maritime strike version (torpedo bomber), that served in the Soviet Naval Aviation, and carried torpedoes, mines and depth charges. 76 built and some more converted. All units subsequently converted into Tu-16S configuration. ** '''Tu-16S''' – A lifeboat carrier version used for search and rescue operations. ** '''Tu-16Ye''' – These were equipped with heavy electronic warfare and electronic intelligence (ELINT) equipment. * '''Badger B (Tu-16KS)''' – Variant designed as a launch platform for two AS-1 Kennel/KS-1 Komet missiles. 107 built in 1954–1958, served with the Soviet Naval Aviation, Egypt and Indonesia. Soviet ones later converted with newer missiles. * '''Badger C (Tu-16K-10)''' – Another Naval Aviation variant, units of this version carried a single AS-2 Kipper/K-10S anti-ship missile. 216 built in 1958–1963. It differed from other variants in having a radar in a nose. A further development, the '''Tu-16K-10-26''', carried a single K-10S and two KSR-2 or KSR-5 AS-6 Kingfish missiles (K-26 missile complex). Some were later converted into ELINT platforms. * '''Badger D (Tu-16RM-1)''' – Maritime reconnaissance model with ELINT equipment; 23 converted from Tu-16K-10. It retained its radar in a nose and could guide K-10S missiles, fired from other planes, at targets. * '''Badger E (Tu-16R)''' – Reconnaissance version of the airframe, with ELINT equipment, first of all meant for maritime reconnaissance. It could guide KS missiles. ** '''Tu-16RM-2''' – modified Tu-16R, serving in the Naval Aviation. It could guide KSR-2 missiles. ** '''Tu-16KRM''' – Launch platforms for target drones (a variant of Tu-16K-26). * '''Badger F (Tu-16RM-2)''' – Another reconnaissance version based on the −16R/RM but with the addition of external ELINT equipment. * '''Badger G (Tu-16K/Tu-16KSR)''' – Serving in the Naval Aviation, these were conversions from earlier models. These were designed to carry bombs in internal bays in addition to carrying air-to-surface missiles externally, such as the AS-5 Kelt and AS-6 Kingfish. There existed numerous variants, designated either from carried missile complex (K-11, K-16 and K-26) or from missiles of these complexes (KSR-11, KSR-2 and KSR-5). Following further modifications, they were also given suffixes. Main variants: **'''Tu-16KSR-2''' – carrying the K-16 complex (two KSR-2 missiles). Used from 1962. Similar aircraft, converted from other variants, were designated '''Tu-16K-16'''. **'''Tu-16K-11-16''' – carrying the K-16 complex (KSR-2 missiles) or the K-11 complex (two anti-radar KSR-11 missiles). Used from 1962. Similar aircraft were designated '''Tu-16KSR-2-11'''. Over 440 Tu-16 could carry the K-16 or K-11 complex. **'''Tu-16K-26''' – carrying the K-26 complex (two KSR-5 missiles), retaining a capability of KSR-2 and 11 missiles. Used from 1969. Similar aircraft were designated '''Tu-16KSR-2-5-11''' or '''Tu-16KSR-2-5''' (no KSR-11 capability). Over 240 Tu-16 could carry the K-26 complex. **'''Tu-16K-26P''' – carrying the K-26P missiles (two anti-radar KSR-5P missiles, as well as KSR-5, 2 or 11). * '''Badger H (Tu-16 Elka)''' – Designed for stand-off electronic warfare and electronic counter-measures support. * '''Badger J (Tu-16P Buket)''' – Another electronic warfare variant configured as an ECM strike escort. * '''Badger K (Tu-16Ye''') – Believed to be a version of the Badger F configuration possessing enhanced ELINT capability. * '''Badger L (Tu-16P)''' – Another version of the Badger J with more modern systems and used in ELINT role. * '''"Aircraft 90"''' – Turboprop-powered project. * '''Tu-104''' – Civilian airliner version.

==Former operators== [[File:Badger operators.png|thumb|upright=1.5|{{legend|#ff0000|Current operators of the Tu-16/H-6}}{{legend|#810000|Former operators}}]]

; {{ARM}} *Armenian Air Force: 30 aircraft inherited from the Soviet Union. Out of service by 1995.<ref name="WAF4">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/armenia/arm.html|title=World Air Forces|work=Armenia Air Force|access-date=2007-01-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070115114214/http://worldairforces.com/Countries/armenia/arm.html|archive-date=2007-01-15}}</ref> ; {{Flag|Azerbaijan|1991}} *Azerbaijan Air Force: 10 aircraft inherited from the Soviet Union. Out of service by 1995.<ref name="WAF1">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/azerbaijan/aze.html|title=World Air Forces|work=Azerbaijan Air Force|access-date=2007-01-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112094401/http://www.worldairforces.com/countries/azerbaijan/aze.html|archive-date=2006-11-12}}</ref> ; {{Flag|Belarus|1991}} *Belarus Air Force: 18 aircraft inherited upon the fall of the Soviet Union,<ref name="AI">{{cite journal |date=August 2006 |title= Aircraft Profile:Tupolev Tu-16 ''Badger'' |journal= Air International }}</ref> out of service by 1995.<ref name="WAF2">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/belarus/bye.html|title=World Air Forces|work=Belarus Air Force|access-date=2007-01-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231070813/http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/belarus/bye.html|archive-date=2006-12-31}}</ref> ; {{CHN}} *People's Liberation Army Air Force: A few Tu-16s were acquired in 1959; the type was then built under licence as the Xian H-6. ; {{EGY}} *Egyptian Air Force: Operated Tu-16KS, Tu-16T, Tu-16KSR-2-11, and Tu-16R. Also operated H-6. Last retired in 2000.<ref name="Goebel">{{cite web|url=http://www.vectorsite.net/avtu16.html|title=VectorSite|work=The Tupolev Tu-16 "Badger"|access-date=2007-01-12|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417131858/http://www.vectorsite.net/avtu16.html|archive-date=2012-04-17}}</ref> By 1966, Air Group 65, with its primary base at Cairo West Air Base, was operating three squadrons of Tu-16s: No. 34 and 36 Squadrons with bomber variants, and No. 95 Squadron equipped with the Tu-16KS' that could carry AS-1 Kennel air-to-surface missiles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationgeekclub.com/did-you-know-the-former-president-of-egypt-hosni-mubarak-was-a-good-military-pilot-pt-2-nocturnal-il-28-reconnaissance-sorties-over-israel/|title=Did you know the former President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak was a good military pilot? Part 2 Nocturnal Il-28 reconnaissance sorties over Israel|date=18 April 2020|access-date=19 April 2020|website=AviationGeekClub.com|first=Tom|last=Cooper|archive-date=18 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418220946/https://theaviationgeekclub.com/did-you-know-the-former-president-of-egypt-hosni-mubarak-was-a-good-military-pilot-pt-2-nocturnal-il-28-reconnaissance-sorties-over-israel/|url-status=live}}</ref> ; {{Flagcountry|Georgia (country)|1990}} *Georgian Air Force: 20 aircraft inherited from the Soviet Union. Out of service by 1995.<ref name="WAF3">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/georgia/geo.html|title=World Air Forces|work=Georgia Air Force|access-date=2007-01-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117013641/http://worldairforces.com/Countries/georgia/geo.html|archive-date=2007-01-17}}</ref> ; {{IDN}} [[File:Tupolev-TU-16-B-KS.jpg|thumb|Indonesian Air Force Tu-16KS-1 at Dirgantara Mandala Museum]] *Indonesian Air Force: 12 Tu-16, 12 Tu-16KS-1, and 2 Tu-16R. The first Tu-16 was delivered in 1961.<ref name="indodefense">{{cite web |url=https://indonesiadefense.com/tupolev-tu-16-pesawat-pembom-strategis-dan-penggetar-tni-au-di-era-1960-an/ |title=Tupolev Tu-16, Pesawat Pembom Strategis dan Penggetar TNI AU di Era 1960-an |website=indonesiadefense.com |date=23 March 2023 |access-date=8 August 2025 |language=ID}}</ref> Used during the preparation of Operation Trikora in 1962 and during Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation in 1963–1966. The bomber and recon variant were operated by 41st Air Squadron, while the KS-1 was operated by 42nd Air Squadron. They were primarily based at Iswahjudi Air Force Base in Madiun, East Java.<ref name="indodefense"/> They were grounded in 1969 and removed from service in 1970.<ref name="Goebel" /> ; {{flagcountry|Ba'athist Iraq}} *Iraqi Air Force: 8 Tu-16 and 6 Tu-16KSR-2-11. Also operated 4 B-6D (H-6D). One B-6D was downed during the Iran-Iraq War. Two were destroyed in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.<ref name="Goebel" /> ; {{RUS}}: Retired from military service by 1995. A few aircraft were maintained and operated by designers and manufacturers for testing until 2001−2002, when it was finally retired<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mladenov |first1=Alexander |last2=Grozev |first2=Krasimir |title=Tupolev Tu-16 Versatile Badger |url=https://www.key.aero/article/tupolev-tu-16-versatile-badger |website=Key.Aero |access-date=8 December 2024 |language=en |date=8 March 2021}}</ref> *Russian Air Force *Russian Naval Aviation ; {{USSR}} *Soviet Air Force (transferred to successor states) *Soviet Naval Aviation (transferred to successor states) ; {{Flagicon image|Flag of Ukraine (fair blue).svg}} Ukraine *Ukrainian Air Force: 121 aircraft inherited from USSR.<ref name="AI" /> All retired from service.

==Notable accidents== * On 25 May 1968 a Soviet Air Force Tu-16 Badger-F piloted by Colonel Andrey Pliyev buzzed the US Navy aircraft carrier {{USS|Essex|CV-9}} in the Norwegian Sea.<ref>{{cite web | title=That time a Soviet bomber crashed into the sea after buzzing a U.S. aircraft carrier|first=David|last=Cenciotti| website=The Aviationist | date=14 April 2016 | url=https://theaviationist.com/2016/04/14/that-time-a-soviet-bomber-crashed-into-the-sea-after-buzzing-a-u-s-aircraft-carrier/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814180227/https://theaviationist.com/2016/04/14/that-time-a-soviet-bomber-crashed-into-the-sea-after-buzzing-a-u-s-aircraft-carrier/ | archive-date=14 August 2017 | url-status=live}}</ref> The Tu-16 made four passes, and on the last a wing clipped the sea and it crashed with no survivors. Parts of three bodies were recovered by the US.<ref>[http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/05/26/page/1/article/russ-bomber-falls-in-sea-near-u-s-ship/ "Russ bomber falls in sea near U.S. ship May 26, 1968"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814215153/http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/05/26/page/1/article/russ-bomber-falls-in-sea-near-u-s-ship/ |date=August 14, 2017 }} ''Chicago Tribune'' Retrieved August 14, 2017</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/23/weekinreview/the-game-pilots-play-over-the-mediterranean.html The Games Pilots Play Over the Mediterranean August 23, 1981] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828072145/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/23/weekinreview/the-game-pilots-play-over-the-mediterranean.html |date=August 28, 2017 }} ''The New York Times'' Retrieved August 14, 2017</ref><ref>[https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=184720 ASN Aircraft Accident 27-May-1968 Tupolev Tu-16 Badger] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814215455/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=184720 |date=2017-08-14 }} ''Aviation Safety Network'' Retrieved August 14, 2017</ref> *On 1 February 1971 a modified Tu-16 flying laboratory crashed during testing of a new jet engine, resulting in the death of the entire crew, including test pilot Amet-khan Sultan.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Боевые лётчики — дважды и трижды Герои Советского Союза|last1=Simonov|first1=Andrey|author-link=Andrey Simonov|last2=Bodrikhin|first2=Nikolai|publisher=Russian Knights Foundation and Vadim Zadorozhny Museum of Technology|year=2017|isbn=9785990960510|location=Moscow|oclc=1005741956|trans-title=Combat pilots - Twice and thrice Heroes of the Soviet Union|page=46}}</ref> * On 28 August 1978 an early model Tu-16 crashed on Hopen island in Svalbard, Norway. All seven crew were killed in the accident. It was discovered by a four-man Norwegian weather forecasting team. The Soviets refused to admit the loss of an aircraft until the bodies of the crew were given to them. Norway transcribed the contents of the flight recorder over the objections of the Soviet government.<ref>"[https://web.stanford.edu/group/tomzgroup/pmwiki/uploads/3606-1978-10-27-FoF-a-PWJ.pdf Soviet Union Military Plane Crashes in Norway]", ''Facts On File World News Digest'', October 27, 1978 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506214732/https://web.stanford.edu/group/tomzgroup/pmwiki/uploads/3606-1978-10-27-FoF-a-PWJ.pdf |date=May 6, 2018 }} Retrieved August 15, 2017</ref><ref>[https://www.csmonitor.com/1980/0909/090940.html Svalbard Arctic out post at strategic crossroads September 9, 1980] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815182428/https://www.csmonitor.com/1980/0909/090940.html |date=August 15, 2017 }} ''The Christian Science Monitor'' Retrieved August 15, 2017</ref><ref>Umbreit, Andreas [https://books.google.com/books?id=JLM1XNVhw-oC&dq=tu-16+svalbard+1978&pg=PA132 Bradt Svalbard: Spitzbergen with Frank Josef Land & Jan Mayen page 132] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715203503/https://books.google.com/books?id=JLM1XNVhw-oC&dq=tu-16+svalbard+1978&pg=PA132 |date=2023-07-15 }} Retrieved August 15, 2017</ref> * On 27 June 1980 a Soviet Air Force Tu-16 Badger on a Tokyo Express flight crashed near Komatsu Air Base in Ishikawa Prefecture in the Sea of Japan. There were no survivors. The remains of three crew members were recovered by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship ''Nemuro''.

==Specifications (Tu-16)== right|300px|Orthographic projection of the Tupolev Tu-16.

{{Aircraft specs |ref= |prime units?=met  |genhide= |crew=6-7 |capacity= |length m=34.80 |length ft= |length in= |length note= |span m=33.00 |span ft= |span in= |span note= |swept m= |swept ft= |swept in= |swept note= |dia m= |dia ft= |dia in= |dia note= |width m= |width ft= |width in= |width note= |height m=10.36 |height ft= |height in= |height note= |wing area sqm=165 |wing area sqft= |wing area note= |swept area sqm= |swept area sqft= |swept area note= |aspect ratio= |airfoil= |empty weight kg=37200 |empty weight lb= |empty weight note= |gross weight kg=76000 |gross weight lb= |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg=79000 |max takeoff weight lb= |max takeoff weight note= |fuel capacity= |more general=  |eng1 number=2 |eng1 name=Mikulin AM-3 M-500 |eng1 type=turbojets |eng1 kw= |eng1 hp= |eng1 shp= |eng1 kn=93.2 |eng1 lbf= |eng1 note= |power original= |thrust original= |eng1 kn-ab= |eng1 lbf-ab= |more power= |prop blade number= |prop name= |prop dia m= |prop dia ft= |prop dia in= |prop note=  |perfhide= |max speed kmh=1050 |max speed mph= |max speed kts= |max speed note= |max speed mach= |cruise speed kmh= |cruise speed mph= |cruise speed kts= |cruise speed note= |stall speed kmh= |stall speed mph= |stall speed kts= |stall speed note= |never exceed speed kmh= |never exceed speed mph= |never exceed speed kts= |never exceed speed note= |minimum control speed kmh= |minimum control speed mph= |minimum control speed kts= |minimum control speed note= |range km=7200 |range miles= |range nmi= |range note= |combat range km= |combat range miles= |combat range nmi= |combat range note= |ferry range km= |ferry range miles= |ferry range nmi= |ferry range note= |endurance= |ceiling m=12800 |ceiling ft= |ceiling note= |g limits= |roll rate= |glide ratio= |climb rate ms= |climb rate ftmin= |climb rate note= |time to altitude= |sink rate ms= |sink rate ftmin= |sink rate note= |lift to drag= |wing loading kg/m2=460 |wing loading lb/sqft= |wing loading note= |disk loading kg/m2= |disk loading lb/sqft= |disk loading note= |fuel consumption kg/km= |fuel consumption lb/mi= |power/mass= |thrust/weight=0.24 |more performance=  |guns= 6–7 × 23 mm Afanasev Makarov AM-23 cannons, two each in dorsal and ventral remote turrets and manned tail turret, with the occasional addition of one fixed forward in the nose |bombs= Badger-A + Export versions 9,000 kg (20,000 lb) of free-fall weapons{{clarify|date=March 2011|reason=All Tu-16 were capable of bombs, or only selected ones?}} |rockets= |missiles= ** Badger-B 2 × Raduga KS-1 Komet (AS-1 Kennel) anti-ship missile on underwing hardpoints ** Badger-C 1 × Raduga K-10S (AS-2 Kipper) anti-ship missile semi-recessed in bomb bay ** Badger-C/G 2 × Raduga KSR-2 (AS-5 Kelt) or Raduga KSR-5 (AS-6 Kingfish) anti-ship missile on underwing hardpoints |hardpoints= 2 Underwing hardpoints for missiles and a bomb bay for missiles or bombs (depending on variant) |hardpoint capacity= |hardpoint rockets= |hardpoint missiles= |hardpoint bombs= |hardpoint other= |avionics= }}

==See also== {{Portal|Aviation}} {{aircontent |related= * Tupolev Tu-104 * Tupolev Tu-124 * Xian H-6 * Tupolev Tu-107 |similar aircraft= * Avro Vulcan * Boeing B-47 Stratojet *Myasishchev M-4 * Handley Page Victor * Vickers Valiant }}

==References==

===Footnotes=== {{reflist}}

===Bibliography=== *{{cite magazine|last=Healey|first=John K.|title=Retired Warriors: 'Cold War' Bomber Legacy |magazine=Air Enthusiast |date=January–February 2004|issue=109 |pages=75–79 |issn=0143-5450}} *{{cite journal|title=Pentagon Over the Islands: The Thirty-Year History of Indonesian Military Aviation|journal=Air Enthusiast Quarterly |date=n.d. |issue=2 |pages=154–162 |issn=0143-5450}} * [http://russianforces.org/eng/book/ ''Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces'',edited by Pavel Podvig, The MIT Press, 2001.] * ''Soviet Military Power'': 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988 * ''Ту-16. Ракетно-бомбовый ударный комплекс Советских ВВС'', ''Voyna v Vozduhye'' series no 26 * EDISI KOLEKSI ANGKASA, RUDAL UDARA TRACKED AND DESTROYED, Edition of September 2006.

==External links== {{commons|Tupolev Tu-16}} * [https://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/bomber/tu-16.htm FAS on the Tu-16] * [http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Badger.html Xian H-6 Badger] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20120629052817/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/groundattack/h6.asp H-6 Medium Bomber] * http://airwar.ru/ – Ugolok Neba (Russian language) * [https://web.archive.org/web/20150303180433/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/english/B-6-H-6-bomber-china.html H-6H and H-6K Cruise Missile Bomber, AirForceWorld.com]

Category:1950s Soviet bomber aircraft Tu-0016 Category:Twinjets Category:Mid-wing aircraft Category:Aircraft first flown in 1952 Category:Soviet military tanker aircraft Category:Electronic warfare aircraft Category:Strategic bombers