A high-quality satellite image of the Taganrog aircraft plant has become publicly available, proving that another russian A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft (NATO reporting name: Mainstay) can be damaged. If this information is confirmed, it will mean a greater loss of russia's ability to monitor the airspace as well as control air strikes using A-50 AEW&C aircraft.
One interesting detail can be seen on the satellite image. There is a large aircraft that looks like Tu-95 strategic bomber (NATO reporting name: Bear) next to the damaged hangar. But most likely, it could have been Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft (NATO reporting name: Bear F/J). According to some reports, this plane is repaired at the Beriev Aircraft Company PJSC in Taganrog, russia.
Read more: When Will Germany Be Able to Supply Taurus Missiles to Ukraine? - Expert Opinion
It should be noted that the Tu-142 belongs to a family of aircraft based on the Tu-95 strategic bomber. It was created on basis of the Tu-95RTs reconnaissance aircraft (NATO reporting name: Bear-D). In turn, the Tu-95MS missile carrier (NATO reporting name: Bear-H) was designed on basis of the Tu-142 anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Accordingly, these two types of aircraft share common design elements as well as powerplant - NK-12 turboprop engines.
It is known that the vast majority of the total of 100 Tu-142 aircraft of various modifications was manufactured at the Taganrog aircraft plant. Their production lasted until 1994.
According to the Military Balance 2023, russian naval aviation had 22 Tu-142 aircraft at the beginning of 2023. 12 of them are Tu-142MK as well as Tu-142MZ anti-submarine warfare aircraft (NATO reporting name: Bear-F). Other 10 are Tu-142MR (NATO reporting name: Bear-J) modified for communication with nuclear submarines which carry intercontinental ballistic missiles.
In addition, Tu-142 aircraft were also in service with the Indian Navy, but in 2017 Indian military decommissioned these aircraft.
The characteristics of the Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft are as follows:
- Fuselage length – 51,55 meters;
- Wingspan – 50,2 meters;
- Maximum takeoff weight - 185 tons;
- Maximum speed - 855 km/h;
- Combat radius - 5200 kilometers;
- Crew - 10 people.
Earlier Defense Express reported about fake aircraft paintings on russian airfields and what it could mean.
Read more: Amid Challenges, Six Out of 45 Promised European F-16s Set to Reach Ukraine by June
