A Backfire-C makes an airshow appearance alongside an early-model Su-27, which gives scale to the bomber.

Close-up of the nose section of Tu-22M2 at Shaikovka. As a result of the SALT Il treaty, all M2s had their refuelling probes removed. The probe housing of this example was completely deleted, resulting in a rather small stump when compared to earlier configurations. Clearly visible on either side of the nose are retractable lights for night refuelling. These lights, in fact, have been retained even on Tu-22M3s with no air-refuelling capability.

With their wings set at intermediate sweep, a pair of Tu-22M3s fly in formation fully-loaded with two Kh-22s. This is not a typical configuration as the Backfire-C cannot be air-refuelled and carrying two missiles reduces the range of the aircraft.

This view of a Tu-22M3 clearly illustrates the type's distinctive configuration - in particular its pointed nose, housing an advanced multi-mode radar with Doppler beam sharpening, and variable wing geometry, seen here with slats and flaps deployed.

A Tu-22M3, carrying a Kh-22 under its starboard wing, banks above the Russian countryside. The bank angle is controlled by spoilers that are just visible, slightly raised, on the port wing.

A three-quarters rear view of a Kh-22P anti-radiation variant of the Kh-22. The word Uchebnyi (Training) stencilled on the forward section, aft the red stripe, identifies it as a training round. The folded ventral fin is clearly visible, and is extended only after the missile is launched.

The Backfire's primary weapon is the Kh-22, seen mounted on the BD-45K underwing pylon. However, it can also carry six of the smaller Kh-15 missiles in the bomb bay. Note the open bomb bay doors.