Tu-95 Russian Strategic Bomber | Red Bear Over Britain | Tupolev Turboprop Cold War Era Aircraft

The Tu-95 Tupolev, also known as the Bear, is a strategic bomber and missile carrier aircraft that has been in service with the Russian military since the 1950s. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable aircraft of the Cold War era, and its distinctive shape and powerful engines make it a true symbol of Soviet military might.
The Tu-95 is a large, four-engine aircraft that is powered by four Kuznetsov NK-12 turboprop engines. These engines are among the most powerful turboprops ever built, and they give the Tu-95 a top speed of around 575 miles per hour (925 kilometers per hour) and a range of up to 9,400 miles (15,100 kilometers) without refueling. This impressive range is due in part to the aircraft's fuel efficiency, which is much higher than that of most jet engines.
One of the most distinctive features of the Tu-95 is its swept-back wings, which give the aircraft a distinctive shape and help to reduce drag and increase lift. The wings are mounted high on the fuselage, which allows for a large internal bomb bay and a flexible weapons loadout. The aircraft can carry a wide variety of bombs, missiles, and torpedoes, and it is also capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
The Tu-95 has been used in a variety of roles over the years, including as a strategic bomber, a maritime patrol aircraft, and a surveillance aircraft. It has been used to patrol the borders of Russia and to conduct reconnaissance missions over foreign territory, and it has also been used to launch cruise missiles at targets on land and at sea.
Despite its age, the Tu-95 remains an important part of the Russian military's strategic arsenal. It has been upgraded over the years with new avionics, engines, and weapons systems, and it is expected to remain in service for many years to come. The aircraft is also used by the Russian Navy as a maritime patrol aircraft, where it is used to monitor foreign naval activity and to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations.
In addition to its military roles, the Tu-95 has also been used in a variety of civilian roles. It has been used for scientific research, including atmospheric sampling and radiation monitoring, and it has also been used to support commercial activities such as oil exploration and seismic surveying.
Despite its many strengths, the Tu-95 is not without its weaknesses. Its large size and slow speed make it vulnerable to modern air defenses, and it lacks the stealth capabilities of more modern aircraft such as the B-2 Spirit. Its turboprop engines also produce a distinctive noise that can be easily detected by enemy radar, making it difficult to operate covertly.
In conclusion, the Tu-95 Tupolev is a remarkable aircraft that has played a major role in the history of military aviation. Its distinctive design, powerful engines, and long range have made it a formidable weapon in the hands of the Russian military, and its versatility and adaptability have allowed it to remain in service for many decades. Despite its age and limitations, the Tu-95 remains a potent symbol of Russian military power and a valuable asset in the country's defense arsenal.
General characteristics
Crew: 6-7; pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, communications system operator, navigator, tail gunner, plus sometimes another navigator.
Length: 46.2 m (151 ft 7 in)
Wingspan: 50.1 m (164 ft 4 in)
Height: 12.12 m (39 ft 9 in)
Wing area: 310 m2 (3,300 sq ft)
Empty weight: 90,000 kg (198,416 lb)
Gross weight: 171,000 kg (376,990 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 188,000 kg (414,469 lb)
Powerplant: 4 × Kuznetsov NK-12 turboprop engines 15,000 PS (15,000 hp; 11,000 kW)
Propellers: 8-bladed contra-rotating fully feathering constant-speed propellers
Performance
Maximum speed: 925 km/h (575 mph, 499 kn)
Cruise speed: 710 km/h (440 mph, 380 kn)
Range: 15,000 km (9,300 mi, 8,100 nmi)
Service ceiling: 13,716 m (45,000 ft)
Rate of climb: 10 m/s (2,000 ft/min)
Wing loading: 606 kg/m2 (124 lb/sq ft)
Power/mass: 0.235 kW/kg (0.143 hp/lb)
Armament
Guns: 2 × 23 mm (0.906 in) Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 autocannon in tail turret
Missiles: Up to 15,000 kg (33,000 lb), including the Kh-20, Kh-22, and Kh-55/101/102, or 8 Kh-101/102 cruise missiles mounted on underwing pylons.
#tu95 #bomber #aircraft

[@Dronescapes]

Click the link to watch more aircraft, heroes and their stories, missions: www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes

[@josh656]

They need to keep us distracted from the failing bank system, Ukraine fraud, Nordstream bombing and so on.

[@loddude5706]

In the early '90s, I had the honour of working with a Ukrainian aircrew on their first trip to England. Once their bird was nested & their gear stowed, we took them into the local village for their first ever 'pint', Glasses in hand, & to the amusement of some of the locals, we drank a toast to their safe arrival & they in turn toasted us with their 'thank you' . . . then, looking at each other for a moment, they all became quiet & their gaze dropped to the floor. Slightly worried, I asked their Capt. if anything was wrong; he thought for a moment, looked at his crew & said: "Five years ago, when we first came together, had anyone told me that we would all one day stand in an English pub, drinking beer with British pilots, I would have told them they were mad . . . yet here we are!" It was a very emotional moment, for all. May this present stupidity cease quickly, & those good times roll round again soon. Slava Ukraine : )

[@Dronescapes]

Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing

[@madmaximus2836]

Wouldn't it be great if you can have the same experience today, but with Russian pilots? This war is crap. Every year since the start of covid has been crap. We need to fix things and move on.

[@Dronescapes]

Perhaps too many interests involved? Globalism has created a lot of issues.

[@danilo16410]

Bull~hit "...honour..."

[@loddude5706]

@@danilo16410 - You only get one life Dani, don't waste it all by being a jerk! : )

[@joemoore4027]

No matter what country their from aviators are aviators. It's the love of flying and respect of your aircraft.

[@sandordula5207]

- And! The booze. :)

[@morstyrannis1951]

That and bombing schools, hospitals and shelters with the word children writ so large in the parking lot it can be read from outer space. Not sure any western air force would care to be associated with that kind of "aviator". Rather like suggesting the SS were no different than the Coldstream Guards.

[@robertlambden648]

Brilliant story. It's such a shame that our relationship with Russia has been returned to Cold War levels.

[@jaymesnin]

More like world war 3 levels

[@flyingsword135]

All due to my country...the USA, sorry

[@hoggarththewisesmeagol8362]

We can blame our pathetic globalist establishment for that. I don't know anyone who has a problem with Russia. Russians are actually great people. I work with a few of them in construction

[@fredferd965]

It was always going to. Back in the old days the word Tsar was a Russian language version of the ancient Roman word Caesar. The russian mind likes a highly authoritarian, heavily controlled society. They are uncomfortable with democracy. To them it's too wobbly, too uncertain. People control, mind control, heck, look at Stalin. He used the ultimate in negative reinforcement - state terror. There's an old russian joke that goes, "Democracy is a great thing - now, if we could just figure out how to use it..."

[@samrodian919]

That was thoroughly enjoyable watching! Thank you. And well done Air Commodore!

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnklockyer]

I went to Moscow as a member of The Royal Flight, we flew in with members of the UK Government on a BAE146 aircraft. It felt rather weird as during my career we trained as the Russians being our adversaries. It was a fantastic trip. We had time off and stayed overlooking the Moskva river. The people were fantastic! Very helpful and friendly. It’s sad we have now turned a full circle and back to the old days. I never thought I’d see our old enemies officers looking around our Royal Aircraft. Shame it’s back to square one.

[@gordonpeden6234]

What a great story, well told. Well done Sir!

[@Dronescapes]

🙏🙏

[@Boric78]

Yeah he's really got the storyteller gene. Funny as all hell too. Shame the Russians threw all the good vibes / intentions to follow that small cocked nut job down the shitter.

[@solarwizzo8667]

I was there, when the BEARs were at Fairford in 94. I was a WSO with a GAF Tornado from Lechfeld, Germany. It became so normal back then to see former enemy´s airplanes at airshows and talk to the cews. Airmen like us. It was a great time! Thanks to tell the story!

[@simonscott1000]

I saw the Bear parked next to the B52 at Fairford. The TU95 always looks huge on film, but next to the BUFF, it looked small, and skinny on tall undercarriage, with the 52 just looking huge. I was there all weekend including the collision between the two Russian jets.

[@philoshaughnessy906]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Thank you so much.

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Foxonian]

There was a photograph taken of one of the Tu-95's & one of the B-52's parked next to each other at this event. Someone titled it, "Old, cold warriors".

[@Musician-Lee]

I took a few of those pics

[@elijahrobinson2362]

Both still in service, both remarkable aircraft now well into retirement age.

[@goldiefish72]

I'd say everyone who was there that year got that picture. The B52 sounded more impressive though. Thought it was landing on me when I was woken by it during the fly in the day before the main show.

[@taylortevebaugh5146]

In the 1980’s at a Paris Air Show an American SR71 crew secretly met with Russian pilots for a drink together. Old adversaries who respected each other. 😅

[@thegreenbean5891]

It's still such an exotic looking bomber

[@PavelAVasilevich]

Спасибо, очень интересная и классная история...Может когда не будь мы опять сможем летать к другу-другу на авиа шоу как тогда..

[@martinryder6910]

Brilliant storey. Shame we can't all be friends

[@bighulkingwar_machine1123]

That shot with the crew was priceless

[@adrianbew4414]

my dear Dad and i were there at that IAT that weekend and saw Prince Michael with the russian crew!, what was so very touching was the Americans filling the one bear with crates of beer and food in a all being passed in a line then right up the ladder into the aircraft.

[@horusfalcon]

I wish current relations with Russia were better than they are - we have so much to teach each other, and could, working together, make the world a much better and much safer place. Sadly, it does not seem to be what any of our governments want right now. May God have mercy on all of us.

[@markpallister9882]

A time of fairness and chivalry...a reminder of what could have been better today if only our 2 nations had found a way to work together for the greater good 😢.. Nevertheless, a beautiful story well told ✈️

[@skunkjobb]

Two nations? There's one nation, Russia attacking the other, Ukraine for no good reason at all.

[@shanemac5199]

Bit of a shame how things have gone south. We are all friends when Governments don't get involved.

[@evilz33]

Super cool story. Shame it seems someone turned the freezer on and the Cold War is back full force.

[@Dronescapes]

Unfortunately yes!

[@johnmiller1117]

on the bright side the space race is back too.

[@DrangusKahn]

Nah- you've been sleeping. China have been planning the fall of the West for decades and are using Russia as their puppet- China is the real threat to the world and Russia Federation is a poor weak shadow of the Soviet Union. The Cold War with China is not a new thing. It's just media for so long has fixated on Russia when I knew they were all talk. Ukraine proves that.

[@None-zc5vg]

It'll probably be a "Regulo Ten" War soon.

[@tempest957]

Superb! And VERY proud to be British! A true Gentleman and Aviator!

[@interestingstory2498]

TU - 95 has strange turboprop engine and still long lasting in service.

[@K-Effect]

She is one of my favorite aircraft

[@interestingstory2498]

@@K-Effect she is very classic aircraft bomber all the time too.

[@None-zc5vg]

It's been said that early suggestions for the 'B-52' design included a swept-wing turboprop layout not unlike the Tu-95, but the U.S. never seemed to get its turboprops right until long after the all-jet B-52 had been put into service.

[@K-Effect]

@@None-zc5vg you’re right about early design ideas of the B-52 having plans to be a turbo prop, but I think after the B-36 the Air Force was tired of propellers. Also the US had superior jet engines when it came to efficiency over the USSR, I’m sure that had a lot to do with why the B-52 was jet powered in the TU-95 has turboprops

[@LostSouLVL]

I enjoyed this video a lot. Thank you!

[@Dronescapes]

Thank you too!

[@brucefrye8799]

This trip sounds so much fun. I'd like the opportunity to party Russian style once!

[@morphuk1]

What a wonderful recollection. Thoroughly enjoyed that!

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RichieRouge206]

What an absolutely brilliant account! Always loved the Bear

[@gerryduffy6700]

Such an interesting video and what a pity we are where we are. I wish we could go back to those times and be friends again. Sadly it only take s a very few people to upset everything, which may lead to war and the death of millions 😢

[@pascalcoole2725]

What a amazing teen-book story and so well and joyfull told ! And yes Russians indeed do things their way. The handling of the TU-95 as described sounds familiar to older turboprops, slow, verry heavy, and forgiving.

[@davidj4662]

Similar speed and performance as a B52.

[@pascalcoole2725]

@@davidj4662 Hmm ain't you comparing potatoes to apples ?

[@sidefx996]

What an incredible story. Thank you for sharing.

[@thunderamu9543]

What an amazing adventure!

[@sjoormen1]

good story and good storyteller.

[@Dronescapes]

👍🙏

[@Kruemel98]

I'm always very impressed when I see this propeller plane! It must have a incradible combat worth in a hot conflict! The impressive speed, the extreme low radar signature, the high tech aircraft design itself!

[@michaelcoghlan9124]

Fantastic, thank you wonderful experience.. Michael

[@Dronescapes]

Our pleasure!

[@thephantom2man]

I know the intercepts happened hundreds of miles out over the north sea, but as a lightning nerd born 8 years after the type retired, i WISH i could of seen it

[@johnmcconville6055]

I used to see the Leuchars one when growing up in the 60/early 70s.The vertical climb departure was like a rocket taking off.

[@sgtgrash]

What a wonderful story. Thank you... ❤

[@oliverlane4050]

That’s absolutely fantastic, what a great thing to have happened

[@miles-thesleeper-monroe8466]

Fascinating thanks!

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robinwells8879]

What a wonderful raconteur! Amazing experience by any standard!

[@johnabbiss43]

Great video thanks for sharing this ❤ What a shame that we came so close to an end to the Cold War 🙂🌈🙏

[@thomasconley3429]

Fantastic video and an even better story. I loved it.

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevenschiff808]

Fantastic story. Thank you.

[@alphalunamare]

What a tremendous story, even better it is true, adversaries share a lot in common :-)

[@byronharano2391]

October, 1993 I began my first work as a civilian military contractor with a company out of Illinois on a US Navy contract with the Kuwaiti Air Force. 😮. Small world.

[@cretin634]

Brilliant video

[@bigbadbubba1337]

Very interesting! Thank you for posting this video. I've never seen this before.

[@Dronescapes]

You're welcome

[@Musician-Lee]

As part of the ground service team at these air shows at the time, I was very fortunate to have a close up look at these magnificent aircraft parked with a B-52.

[@hashimoto942]

What the amazing story Sir 🙏 Thank you. I think you guy’s should continue to do so. We all humans and we all equal. All we need is a great friendship Bravos 👏 👌

[@Dronescapes]

If only we all made an effort to be more peaceful, with less posturing and arrogance. Many people in Russia are against this insane madman and all the politics involved. We came a long way and had a glimpse of a better future. It should have gone from there and not backwards.

[@--Dani]

Great story, and content as always 👍

[@Dronescapes]

Thanks Dan! ♥️

[@--Dani]

@@Dronescapes Thank you, very low hr C150 GA, love avation and your channel. From interviews like this to history of aircraft are always worth my time watching, keep up the great stuff. 👍

[@Dronescapes]

@@--Dani thank you Dan

[@pplusbthrust]

Extraordinary experience.

[@iancharlton678]

I remember when the TU 95 was a welcome guest at RAF Fairford in 1993. This was when we were treating our friends in Russia…… as friends, not joining in an American proxy war…… and pushing our luck to a dangerous level 🤔🙁

[@flyingsword135]

Well said

[@henrypena2547]

Super Great Story love the Iconic Bear❤

[@EwanWeetch]

Great video. Really interesting!

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@steves8482]

Superb, thank you!

[@Dronescapes]

Thank you too Steve! glad you enjoyed the video

[@michaelpeare8712]

Flew with Phil in a Chipmunk in Canada. He used to defend Berlin against the Migs in a Chipmunk.

[@stephenbaker5593]

Enjoyed thoroughly!, there should be an airshow amnesty! Where pilots and there planes can come together to show there skills and true raw beauty off, no matter where they come from.

[@andrewmartin8739]

Saw these at Fairford , happier times , international co operation and friendship , do wish it was still like that. We will probably never see the like again . Great times

[@saulthompson6613]

Lovely story telling.

[@MrTommy0201]

Looks like a very cool moment

[@joemann2178]

Such a beautiful deadly aircraft

[@zumiramartins7629]

Great history! Thanks ❤

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deanlowe2580]

good story, and an amazing plane.

[@brendanjburns2969]

A good listen and great story.

[@Dronescapes]

Thanks for listening

[@anyway00001]

That's a really good story right there, at least in these times, it would be so nice, if we all could get along, thank you😊

[@Dronescapes]

We agree!

[@nikbear]

Wonderful video, hopefully one day in the not to distant future, we can be like that again.

[@thomassmith537]

Wonderful story! While serving on a U.S. Carrier I was in awe the first time I saw a Bear flying past. It is a sexy aircraft and the noise made by the counter rotating props was unique. We were told that they would fly from Vietnam to (spy) on us about 3-4 days from Hawaii. Long long way!

[@theworldaccordingtochris4370]

Lovely 👍

[@gcrauwels941]

This a great !!

[@petriteittinen2530]

Excellent stuff, thank you for sharing!

[@offshoretomorrow3346]

Beautiful wing on that bird.

[@martywise8505]

I've never had the pleasure or being on a Bear but would love to do so.

[@ManuduBruxale]

Wonderful story thanks for sharing 👍

[@Dronescapes]

🙏👍

[@kennydee8296]

what a great video, what a great story and a story well told too

[@Dronescapes]

Thank you kindly!

[@xfire7]

An amazing story , I live a short distance from Fairford and I did`nt even know .

[@K-Effect]

What a great story!

[@Goldsilver]

Great story, thanks.

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@neilsheppard6673]

Great story. It's a shame things have deteriorated since then.

[@akhtarnadeem621]

I like this bomber plane Tupolev TU-95 very much, it should stay in service more and upgrade as well.

[@slice1208]

This is as funny as an SR-71 blackbird asking for an air speed and attitude check.

[@KRW628]

SUPERB!

[@Dronescapes]

Many thanks!

[@zakiranderson722]

You lucky boy! Not many people get to do that.

[@seeky907]

Great story

[@philoshaughnessy906]

Thanks!

[@Dronescapes]

Welcome!

[@Dronescapes]

Thank you so much

[@pauld9561]

Great story teller.

[@Dronescapes]

👍🙏

[@erwin4501]

What a great story !!!

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@craigsawyer6453]

Take the world leaders, and politics, out of the equation and you find that people are good. Around the globe there are warm hearts. We may not always agree on everything but a great aircraft is something worth admiring, it dose not matter its country of origin.

[@Slim2134]

Really enjoyed the story and wonderfully told! Thank you Sir! A.S. CDN Int Branch (Ret)

[@manuwilson4695]

Amazing...👍

[@Dronescapes]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@francescogatto3727]

Forse il più bello di tutti gli aeroplani del mondo....dei bombardieri sicuramente!!!!

[@Rennyteam359]

Here! Here!

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

Makes a big target

[@henrybartlett1986]

This was very entertaining.

[@Dronescapes]

👍🙏

[@Mullac23]

this was a epic story

[@Dronescapes]

Thank you

[@justinbelshe]

Great story!

[@Dronescapes]

Thank you Justin!

[@Tyler.i.81]

Chocs away jolly oh fella

[@jimdieseldawg3435]

Endures to this day as my all-time favourite aircraft; the choice of huge turboprops when everywhere else was obsessed with turbojets was inspired, particularly with respect to the resultant range vs. fuel capacity; the swept-back wings and slender fuselage impart an elegance that is at odds with its purpose; and the long spindly landing-gear necessitated by ground clearance for those huge multi-bladed contra-rotating props gives an insect-like aspect; like a mantis biding its time before a lunge at its prey. I hope one day to see and hear one; however I sympathise with those who currently have that most dubious of honours and not by choice 😕 🇺🇦 Glory to Ukraine!

[@samueldavis2327]

They made it extremely long range, because of their lack of mid air refueling capabilities and forward bases.

[@richsmith7200]

So loud, submarines can hear them when submerged. Also, crew has to wear protection to guard against the effects of the noise and vibration. Dang, now I want to build a 1/72 scale kit to augment my Mig collection.

[@vladimirlobovik]

There were such planes in Ukraine, at the Uzin air base. But someone decided that they were not needed, just like nuclear weapons ... Thank you for the military assistance!

[@louislochner5713]

Excellent content 👌🏼

[@paulramsey1255]

you make me want to vomit....NARZEE LOVER

[@1down4up78]

THIS IS TV - THIS IS KZbin. Now the caps are off does any of you chaps fancy a cuppa?

[@nvonliph]

A gentle starter? that's great. I too have such fond memories of Russia and its people, some very similar to this.

[@34Realist]

from museum at Staograd

[@ulrichbrossmann1225]

Great story! But, on the one hand, we should not forget how much knowledge and manpower from Germany/ axis powers was used in the US air, space and nuclear programs. On the other hand, also automotive and electronic technologies never has attained its present level of develooment without learning from competitors' products and striving to improve (from) them

[@1down4up78]

I didn't need a cuppa, you didn't need to know I needed a cuppa. That said, I boiled the kettle, made tea and furrily enjoyed myself.