Tu-22UD Red 30 in Ukrainian Air Force markings taking-off under the power of its two 36,273lb st RD-7M2 turbojets in reheat. Note the translating forward engine cowling, which form auxiliary air intakes for take-off and landing.
Although of rather poor quality, this photograph of a Tu-22UD clearly illustrates some of its more interesting features including the area-ruled fuselage and 'Kuchemann Carrots' on the wing trailing edge.
A Tu-22PD Blinder-E begins its take-off roll in reheat at night. This variant can be equipped with several (at least seven) jamming systems covering a wide range of radio frequencies. The only distinguishing external appearance, of this version is a long and narrow cooler air intake under the storage bay and four swept-blade antennae.
During the 1970s and 1980s Blinders carried out many reconnaissance missions over the Baltic (where this aircraft was photographed by a Swedish Air Force aircraft). This Tu-22RD Blinder-C reconnaissance variant was most probably operated by the 15th ODRAP, based at Chkalovsk, Tajikistan.
Tu-22RDM Red 19 was the only 199 Guard ORAP aircraft equipped with antennae for Elint missions (large cheeks on the forward fuselage sides). These enabled the aircraft to detect and monitor hostile communication systems. It is seen here at Nizshyn, Ukraine, in February 1995.
Close-up of the rear of a Tu-22RD illustrating the PRS-3 Argon-2 gun-ranging radar (white hemisphere) and single-barrel 23mm cannon. This aircraft was on the strength of the 199 Guard ORAP, Nizshyn, Ukraine, when photographed in August, 1994.
Crew access was via downward-firing ejection seats, which were lowered to allow entry into the aircraft. Tu-22RDM Red 19 crewmembers are seen here being raised into their respective cockpits. From left to right they are: pilot, navigator and (rearwards-facing) radio operator.
This Tu-22RD (Red 27) is one of several dozen aircraft that were ferried from Belarus to Engels, Russia, in the early 1990s. In 1991, Belarus had three regiments with more than 90 Tu-22s. After being transferring to Russia, the aircraft were kept in storage for a short while before being scrapped - the process being complete by 2002.
Pilot's instrument panel on a Ukrainian AirForce Tu-22RD. Note that some of the controls have been wire-locked.
