Tupolev Tu-82

The Tupolev Tu‑82 was an experimental high‑speed bomber developed in the Soviet Union during the late 1940s as a continuation of the Tu‑4 reverse‑engineered B‑29 program. Initiated in 1948, the project aimed to explore jet‑propelled aerodynamics and to create a platform capable of penetrating the emerging NATO air defense network. Although only two prototypes were completed, the Tu‑82 incorporated several pioneering features: swept‑back wings with a 35‑degree angle, twin Kuznetsov VK‑4 turbo‑jets mounted in the aft fuselage, and a pressurized cabin that allowed crews to operate at altitudes above 10,000 meters. Flight testing in 1949 demonstrated a maximum speed of approximately 950 km/h and a service ceiling surpassing 12,000 meters, confirming the viability of swept‑wing designs for Soviet aircraft. The Tu‑82 never entered mass production, but its data directly informed subsequent Tupolev successes such as the Tu‑16 “Badger” and the iconic Tu‑95 “Bear.” In this way, the Tu‑82 served as a crucial bridge between piston‑engine bombers and the jet‑age fleet, cementing Tupolev’s reputation for innovative aerodynamic research and shaping the strategic bombing doctrine of the early Cold War.

Tupolev

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification