The deeply modernised Tupolev Tu-160M bomber successfully made its first flight with new NK-32-02 series engines at the aerodrome of the Kazan aeronautics plant. The flight took place at an altitude of 6,000 meters and lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes.
First flight of the motorised version
The deeply modernised Tupolev Tu-160M bomber successfully made its first flight with new NK-32-02 series engines at the aerodrome of the Kazan aeronautics plant. The aircraft was flown by a crew led by captain Anri Naskidyants. The flight took place at an altitude of 6,000 metres and lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes.
NK-32 series 02 engines
During the flight, the necessary checks were carried out on the aircraft's updated general systems as well as on the on-board electronic equipment installed as part of a major modernisation of the aircraft. The performance of the new NK-32 02 series engines, developed and manufactured by United Engine Corporation (part of Rostec State Corporation), was also subject to routine checks
Large-scale modernisation programme
According to the crew's data, the flight went normally, the systems and equipment functioned without any problems. The Tu-160M is a strategic bomber called a "missile carrier" by the Russians, which has been thoroughly modernised. The first experimental Tu-160M was created as part of a large-scale modernisation programme for strategic and long-range fighter aircraft systems, which is currently being carried out by Tupolev PJSC.