Tupolev Tu-125

The Tupolev Tu-125 was an unrealized project to develop a new long-range supersonic bomber for the Soviet Air Force.^{[1][better source needed]} Development commenced in 1958 to replace the newest Tu-22. The "Tu-125" designation was an internal one used by the Tupolev design bureau. Since the aircraft was never built, it never received a military designation.^[2]

A canard design was chosen for the aircraft, featuring a delta planform for the wing and stabilizer. Two turbojets (Kuznetsov NK-6 or NK-10 (230–240 kN)) were to be installed in nacelles under the wings. A four-turbojet version, powered by Tumansky R-15B-300s in two nacelles also was considered. The fuselage and wings made from titanium and aluminium alloys.^[2]

In September 1962, the Soviet Air Force rejected the project and it was stopped. No aircraft were built.^[2]

Specifications (Tu-125 Tumansky engines – estimated)

General characteristics

• Length: 41.40 m (135 ft 10 in)
• Wingspan: 22.20 m (72 ft 10 in)
• Height: 9.55 m (31 ft 4 in)
• Wing area: 226.0 m² (2,433 sq ft)
• Gross weight: 110,000 kg (242,508 lb)
• Powerplant: 4 × Tumansky R-15B-300 , 110 kN (25,000 lbf) thrust each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 3,500 km/h (2,200 mph, 1,900 kn)
• Range: 7,000 km (4,300 mi, 3,800 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 25,000 m (82,000 ft)
• Wing loading: 487 kg/m² (100 lb/sq ft)
• Thrust/weight: 0.4076

Armament

• Missiles: 1 × Raduga Kh-22 nuclear missile

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• XB-70 Valkyrie
• Sukhoi T-4

Notes

1. "Tu-125 Medium Bomber".
2. Buttler, Tony; Yefim Gordon (2004). Soviet Secret Projects – Bombers Since 1945. Hinkley: Midland publishing. pp. 132–134. ISBN 1-85780-194-6.

References

• Buttler, Tony; Yefim Gordon (2004). Soviet Secret Projects – Bombers Since 1945. Hinkley: Midland publishing. pp. 132–134. ISBN 1-85780-194-6.