There are few things Russian that I admire, but I’m not alone in admiring the Tupolev Tu-95 bomber, as well as the Antonov AN-2.

I had my own private air display of the Antonov AN-2 while in Cuba in 2017, and I’ve stood in the bomb-bay of a B-52, but I’ve never seen the Bear up close. Yet.

Just like the B-52 this plane is a relic of the cold war and still very much a key part of its country’s defences. And offences — it currently launching cruise missiles against Ukraine.

The Tu-95 Bear is an iconic and distinctive aircraft and I’ve taken a close look at it, maybe nerdy even.

Origins and Design

The Tu-95, designed by the Soviet Union’s Tupolev Design Bureau, first took to the skies in 1952. The aircraft’s design is notable for its four Kuznetsov NK-12 turboprop engines, each driving two contra-rotating propellers. This unique propulsion system gives the Tu-95 its distinctive sound, often described as a “whirring” or “buzzing,” earning it the nickname “Bear” in NATO reporting. It’s said that interceptor pilots can hear its engine noise even above the sound of their own jet engines.

The decision to utilise propellers over jet engines was primarily driven by the need for long endurance and fuel efficiency. The Tu-95’s range is exceptional, allowing it to cover vast distances without the need for frequent refueling, a critical feature for a strategic bomber.

Sourcey : Medium