TU-95
- Enthusiast
- Posts: 52
- Joined: 06 Jul 2018, 02:28
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.
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
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- Location: Finland
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 5K
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- Joined: 20 Mar 2010, 10:26
- Location: Parts Unknown
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
- Posts: 52
- Joined: 06 Jul 2018, 02:28
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...
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