The Bear-F, maritime photographic reconnaissance aircraft was a rework of the original Tu-95 Bear-A strategic bomber with a camera pallet (possibly also accommodating non-optical sensors) inserted in the weapons bay.
A close-up view of the forward fuselage of Bear-D with its prominent undernose sector scan radar housing. Note the fuel transfer conduit appearing on the starboard side only.
The massive ventral housing of the so-called Big Bulge surface search radar that characterises Bear-D.
The final series production version of the Tu-95, Bear-D was a dedicated maritime aircraft readily identifiable by its immense ventral Big Bulge surface search radar housing.
A close-up view of the Bear-D rear fuselage with Box Tail warning radar, twin-gun armament and observation blisters.
The final series production version of the Tu-95, Bear-D was a dedicated maritime aircraft readily identifiable by its immense ventral Big Bulge surface search radar housing which may be seen in the photograph.
Bear-F Mod II which introduced a redesigned flight deck with raised cockpit roof and additional 9-in (23-cm) plug. The FR probe was mounted at a 4-deg negative angle.
The initial series version of the Tu-142 Bear-F which featured substantially lengthened and widened inboard engine nacelle extensions. Bear-F introduced a 5-75-ft (1,75-m) forward fuselage plug.
A later Bear-F Mod I which reverted to the original nacelle tail configuration. The Mod I version of Bear-F discarded the undernose sector scan radar.
The rearmost of the tandem stores bays of Bear-F Mod II is seen open for sonobuoy ejection
This close-up illustrates clearly the lengthened forward fuselage and bulged nosewheel doors
The initial version of Bear-F Mod I with the enlarged inboard engine nacelle tail
The Bear-F Mod III is characterised by taller vertical tail surfaces surmounted by a MAD boom, the tailplane tip fairings of preceding F-series aircraft having been discarded.
The Bear-F Mod III is characterised by taller vertical tail surfaces surmounted by a MAD boom, the tailplane tip fairings of preceding F-series aircraft having been discarded.
