Tupolev Tu-85

The Tupolev Tu-85 (NATO reporting name: "Barge") was a final refined version of the Tu-4, overcoming the shortcomings of the aircraft especially with regards to range, creating a true intercontinental strategic bomber. Only two machines were built, with the first flying on 9 January 1951. In the course of tests, an intercontinental flight range of 11,700 km (7,312 miles) was achieved with a bomb payload of five tonnes. However, by then it was already vulnerable to US jet fighters. The aircraft was thus not produced and the focus was shifted towards higher performance strategic bombers such as the turbojet-powered Tu-16 'Badger' and the turbo-prop Tu-95 'Bear'.

Specifications (Tu-85)

General characteristics

• Crew: 12
• Length: 39.91 m (130 ft 11 in)
• Wingspan: 56.00 m (183 ft 8 in)
• Height: 10.58 m (34 ft 8 in)
• Wing area: 274 m² (2,948 ft²)
• Empty weight: 54,711 kg (120,364 lb)
• Loaded weight: 76,000 kg (167,200 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 107,000 kg (235,400 lb)
• Powerplant: 4× Dobrynin VD-4K radial engines, 3,200 kW (4,300 hp) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 638 km/h (344 kt, 399 mph)
• Range: 12,000 km (6,500 nm, 7,500 mi)
• Service ceiling 11,700 m (38,376 ft)
• Rate of climb: 17 m/s (3,280 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 277 kg/m² (57 lb/ft²)
• Power/mass: 170 W/kg (0.10 hp/lb)

Armament

• Guns: 10× 23 mm Nudelman NS-23 cannons, two each in four turrets and tail barbette
• Bombs: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb)

Related content

Related development

• Tupolev Tu-4
• Tupolev Tu-70
• Tupolev Tu-75
• Tupolev Tu-80

Comparable aircraft

• B-29 Superfortress
• B-50 Superfortress

Designation sequence

• Tu-80 - Tu-81 - Tu-82 - Tu-85 - Tu-86 - Tu-88 - Tu-89

See also