Tupelov Tu-22 'Blinder' Tu-22M 'Backfire' (Aerofax Series) (Paperback)

by Gordon/Rigmont (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Tu-22 'Blinder' never really gave the U.S.S.R. what they were looking for in a supersonic nuclear bomber, but the Tu-22M 'Backfire' did--it's truly a long range supersonic bomber. This book reveals Soviet tactics for destroying NATO warships using 'Blinders' and its use by Libya and Iraq.

Yefim Gordon, of Moscow, Russia, is a noted Russian aviation historian and writer who has had several books published in the west. Vladimir Rigmant, of Moscow, Russia, is an aviation historian specializing in the Tupolev design bureau.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Midland (January 8, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857800656
• ISBN-13: 978-1857800654
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,767,238 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Should have been Beauty, June 28, 2003

By	Graeme Buckley (Wellington New Zealand) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For the aviation enthusiast the end of the Cold War was a time of mixed emotions, OK, the west had won, less threat of nuclear war, but so many neat projects died, planes scrapped etc. On the other hand we were suddenly able to find a lot more about those exotic shapes from behind the curtain.
This publication gives a typically Aerofax detail on two intriguing shapes, Samolet 105 Tu-22 Blinder (NATO reporting name was originally Beauty and most apt too, but was felt to be over complementary). Similar in timescale to Convair's amazing B-58 Hustler, the Tu-22 was always more of a tactical than a strategic system. The first half details the Tu-22's evolution from supersonic level bomber to missile launcher to recon / ecm platform. Fascinating aircraft, and the front view showes why the pilots nicknamed it the "Awl"
The second section traces how the swing wing Tu-22M arose as a 2nd generation Tu-22, and why the changes were made.
Many excellent detail shots for modellers, and the ESCI kits will be reissued sometime. This is all the reference you will need on these types (to date at least. Definative.