TU-95

Military aircraft - Post cold war aircraft, including for example B-2, Gripen, F-18E/F Super Hornet, Rafale, and Typhoon.
Enthusiast
Enthusiast
 
Posts: 52
Joined: 06 Jul 2018, 02:28

by tank-top » 21 May 2019, 21:47

I was going to ask in the Cold War Aircraft thread and that’s where this plane probably belongs but it’s still being used today.

Just today these flew near Alaska accompanied by SU-35’s, according to the news, testing our detection radar. I personally it’s just to be annoying rather than real intelligence gathering. I know they can carry nuclear cruise missiles that have long range and are low observable. My question is, is the TU-95 still a strategic weapons system to the US? I’ve heard the counter rotating props make them look like Staten Island on radar.


Elite 5K
Elite 5K
 
Posts: 5184
Joined: 13 Mar 2013, 08:31
Location: Finland

by hornetfinn » 22 May 2019, 07:24

While Tu-95 definitely has huge and distinct RCS, they could still pose some threat to USA with those nuclear cruise missiles due to their long range. Basically Tu-95 could launch them before they came within interception range. But that would mean attacking only the cities and sites near the borders and oceans. Attacking anything near the center of USA would be suicide for Tu-95 force.


Elite 3K
Elite 3K
 
Posts: 3768
Joined: 03 Mar 2010, 03:12

by madrat » 22 May 2019, 11:51

The Bear has been seen to remain iin the air 40 hours. Slow and steady is a strategic role all to itself.


Elite 5K
Elite 5K
 
Posts: 5319
Joined: 20 Mar 2010, 10:26
Location: Parts Unknown

by mixelflick » 22 May 2019, 13:09

Any platform that can carry long range, stealthy cruise missiles is a strategic threat. It doesn't matter if it's the TU-95 or China's upcoming H-20. If I gave my washing machine wings and loaded it up with stealthy, long range cruise missiles that would qualify too...


Enthusiast
Enthusiast
 
Posts: 52
Joined: 06 Jul 2018, 02:28

by tank-top » 22 May 2019, 17:59

hornetfinn wrote:While Tu-95 definitely has huge and distinct RCS, they could still pose some threat to USA with those nuclear cruise missiles due to their long range. Basically Tu-95 could launch them before they came within interception range. But that would mean attacking only the cities and sites near the borders and oceans. Attacking anything near the center of USA would be suicide for Tu-95 force.



I’m of the opinion that we may see them take off and know their entire flight path. They could do a surprise attack but not sneak attack...


User avatar
Elite 1K
Elite 1K
 
Posts: 1722
Joined: 02 Feb 2018, 21:55

by marsavian » 23 May 2019, 00:04




Who is online
Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot] and 5 guests