Tupolev Tu-16 "Badger"

* In the early 1950s, the Soviet Union was determined to keep up with the West, and major efforts were placed on development of advanced aircraft. Development of effective bombers was a high priority, leading to the introduction of a formidable, swept-wing, twinjet bomber, the "Tupolev Tu-16 Badger", in the mid-1950s. It was an excellent aircraft that would prove useful in a wide range of roles, and it would have a long service life -- indeed, the Chinese are still manufacturing it. This document provides a history and description of the Tu-16.

[1.0] Tu-16 Origins / Tu-16 Bombers, Tankers, & Missile Carriers

• [1.1] PROLOGUE: TU-14 BOSUN
  
• [1.2] TU-16 BADGER ORIGINS
  
• [1.3] TU-16 BADGER-A DESCRIBED / TU-16A & TU-16ZA / TU-16Z
  
• [1.4] TU-16Z & OTHER TANKERS / TU-16T & TU-16PL
  
• [1.5] TU-16K MISSILE CARRIERS
  

[2.0] Reconnaissance & Special-Mission Tu-16s / Xian H-6

• [2.1] TU-16R RECONNAISSANCE BADGERS
  
• [2.2] ELECTRONIC WARFARE BADGERS
  
• [2.3] UNUSUAL VARIANTS & SPECIAL MODIFICATIONS / TWILIGHT
  
• [2.4] CHINESE XIAN H-6
  
• [2.5] OTHER FOREIGN USERS
  
• [2.6] A SUMMING UP
  
• [2.7] COMMENTS, SOURCES, & REVISION HISTORY