Developed as the answer to the American B-1; the Tupolev Tu-160 was the Soviet Union’s most potent strategic bomber. Several project versions were rejected; and a highly controversial contest involving some of the Soviet Union’s top-class aircraft design companies took place before the Tu-160 variable-geometry bomber reached the hardware stage. Its design made use of many advanced features not used previously on Soviet bombers. While being a nuclear deterrent for most of its career; the Tu-160 has recently seen actual combat in the war on terrorism. The Tu-160 story is not over yet; since Russia is now resuming production of the type to bolster its strategic potential. The book gives the type’s complete development; test and service history of the Tu-160; including such intriguing episodes as the type’s overseas deployment to Venezuela; and the flight of a Tu-160 with Russian President Vladimir Putin aboard. It is richly illustrated with color photos and original factory drawings. A comparison is made of the Tu-160 and its American counterpart; the B-1.
#1668718 in Books Schiffer Publishing 2010-03-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 12.00 x .70 x 9.20l; 2.65 #File Name: 0764334018144 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Highly recommended! This is THE series to have as reference ...By CustomerHighly recommended! This is THE series to have as reference material for the USAAC/USAAF in World War II. Color illustrations and photographs complement the written material in a clear manner.9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Battle Colors Vol IV; Insignia and Aircraft markings of the USAAF in WW IIBy George BrackenThis book has a capsule history of the units operating in the Mediteranean Theater. It breaks down the aircraft markings unit by unit with colored aircraft profiles; squadron insignias; and a few vintage photos. It does try to pack a lot of information in just a few pages per unit. Support groups and transports are not as well covered as the combat groups. With the formation of the 12th and 15th Air Forces many of the groups found their missions changing and their markings also were revised. Their supply chain had them getting equipment after the 8th and 9th Air Forces. Escort groups persisted with Spitfires and hand me down P-38s long after they should have transitioned to P-51s. I found this a useful reference for modeling purposes.5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Marking and suchBy C. A. StidsenThis is the fourth volume of this particular series; and finally is getting out of the ETO into some of the lesser -known theaters. Yes- I like the 8AF too; but vols 1 and 2 just plowed some well worn furrows again. Vol. 3 was good - too few people pay much attention to the 9th AF.The layout is good; lots of pictures; drawings and diagrams . Most of the information is available elsewhere (notably in Maurer Maurer's two works); especially with one page per Bomb Group.); but this is a good layout ; especially for the younger (anyone under 40) historian. Serials of assigned aircraft would be a nice addition; but you can't have everything.It is pricey; but you get what you pay for. If you want junk go to your local bookstore. This volume and its three predecessors are solid references and worth the money. Highly recommended
