Tu-95 Why this Tupolev Nuclear Bomber from the 1950s is still in Service today?

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Why is the Tupolev Tu-95, NATO reporting name โ€œBear,โ€ a 1950โ€™s aircraft, still being used up until the present day, and even upgraded to year 2040?ย 

In Service for the Last 70 Years

The Tu-95 has continued to operate in the Russian Air Force. One of the reasons for this planeโ€™s longevity was its suitability range and fuel efficiency.ย 

Itโ€™s also not that old as compared to its American counterpart, the B-52 which was it was introduced on February 1952. Meanwhile, the Tu-95โ€™s first flight was in the year 1955.ย 

Tu-95 Bear

The plane has a length of 49.13 meters which is massive, and a wingspan of 50.04 meter attached to four counter rotating turbo shaft engines. Meanwhile, the height of this monster near is around 13.3 meters.ย 

Engine

Generally, the Tu-95 masses just over 400,000 pounds, and all of its weight is being powered by a huge power plant consisting of four Kuznetsov NK-12 turboprop engines. These crank out a whopping 15,000 horsepower each.ย 

Weapon System

The Bear has external weapon loads of a total of eight KG-101. In addition, there are six KH-55 in the internal rotary launcher, and a long-range standoff weapon, the KH-101.ย 

Other Specifications

The plane has a range of up to 2,500 kilometers and can carry nuclear warheads. Meanwhile, the back of the aircraft is armed by two Gryazev-Shipunov GSH-23 Twin Barrelled Automatic Cannons at the rear for self defense against airborne threats.ย A worthy wingman of the plane would be the Sukhoi Su-57, a fifth generation jet.ย