View source for Tupolev Tu-16

{{Short description|Soviet heavy bomber}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = Tupolev Tu-16
 |image = File:Tupolev Tu-16 flies over USS Hewitt (DD-966) c1978.jpg
 |caption = A Tu-16 flying over [[USS Hewitt|USS ''Hewitt'']] c.1978
 |type = [[Strategic bomber]]
 |national_origin = [[Soviet Union]]
 |manufacturer = [[Voronezh Aircraft Production Association]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vaso.ru/?menu=planes_p05|title=Предприятие|website=www.vaso.ru|access-date=6 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506214733/http://www.vaso.ru/?menu=planes_p05|archive-date=6 May 2018}}</ref>
 |designer = [[Tupolev]]
 |first_flight = 27 April 1952
 |introduction = 1954
 |retired =
 |produced = 1952–1962
 |number_built = 1,509 
 |status = Discontinued, in limited service
 |unit cost = US$45 million (US$490 million today)
 |primary_user = [[Russian Air Force]] (historical)
 |more_users = [[Egyptian Air Force]] (historical)<br>[[Iraqi Air Force]] (historical)<br>[[Indonesian Air Force]] (historical) 
 |developed_from =
 |variants = [[Xi'an H-6]]
 |developed_into = [[Tupolev Tu-104]] <br>[[Tupolev Tu-124]] <br> [[Tupolev Tu-107]]
}}

The '''Tupolev Tu-16''' (USAF/DOD reporting name '''Type 39''';<ref>Jane's All the World's Aircraft p. 188</ref> [[NATO reporting name]]: '''[[Badger]]''')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/non-us/soviet.html#_Listings_Bombers|title=Designations of Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft and Missiles|website=www.designation-systems.net|access-date=6 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011201653/http://www.designation-systems.net/non-us/soviet.html#_Listings_Bombers|archive-date=11 October 2017}}</ref> is a [[twinjet|twin-engined jet]] strategic [[heavy bomber]] used by the [[Soviet Union]]. It has been flown for almost 70 years. While many aircraft in Soviet service were retired after the Cold War ended, the Chinese license-built version [[Xian H-6]] remains in service with the [[People's Liberation Army Air Force]], with the most modern variant, the H-6K, still being actively produced {{As of|2020|lc=y}}.<ref name="buying_bombers">{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2020/11/16/the-chinese-air-force-sure-is-buying-a-lot-of-bombers/|title=The Chinese Air Force Sure Is Buying A Lot Of Bombers|first=David|last=Axe|date=16 November 2020|website=Forbes|access-date=24 September 2023|archive-date=27 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527010741/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2020/11/16/the-chinese-air-force-sure-is-buying-a-lot-of-bombers/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Development==
[[File:Tu-16.jpg|thumb|left|Tu-16 bomber at the [[Central Air Force Museum|Monino Museum]] (1998)]]

In the late 1940s, the [[Soviet Union]] was strongly committed to matching the [[United States]] in [[strategic bombing]] capability. The Soviets' only long-range bomber at the time was Tupolev's [[Tupolev Tu-4|Tu-4 "Bull"]], a [[reverse engineering|reverse-engineered]] copy of the American [[B-29 Superfortress]]. The development of the notably powerful [[Mikulin AM-3]] [[turbojet]] led to the possibility of a large, jet-powered bomber.

The Tupolev design bureau began work on the '''[[Tu-88]]''' ("Aircraft N") prototypes in 1950. The Tu-88 first flew on 27 April 1952. After winning a competition against the [[Ilyushin Il-46]], it was approved for production in December 1952. The first production bombers entered service with [[Soviet Air Force|Frontal Aviation]] in 1954, receiving the service designation '''Tu-16'''. It received the [[NATO reporting name]] '''Badger-A'''.

[[File:Tu-16 rear.jpg|thumb|Rear side view of a Tu-16 Badger reconnaissance variant (most likely a Tu-16R) c.1989]]

It had a new, large [[swept wing]] and two large [[Mikulin AM-3]] turbojets, one in each [[wing root]]. It could carry a single massive [[FAB-9000]] {{cvt|9000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} bomb (the Russian equivalent in terms of size of the British [[Grand Slam (bomb)|Grand Slam]], but a conventional bomb rather than a deep ground penetrator) or various [[nuclear weapon]]s for a range of around {{cvt|4800|km|mi|abbr=on}}. Production took place in three aviation plants, [[Kazan Aircraft Production Association]], [[Aviakor|Kuybyshev]], and [[Voronezh Aircraft Production Association]].

Although the Tu-16 began as a high-altitude, free-fall bomber, in the mid-1950s, it was equipped to carry early Soviet [[cruise missile]]s. The '''Tu-16KS-1''' ('''Badger-B''') version could carry [[KS-1 Komet|AS-1]] missiles over a [[combat radius]] of {{cvt|1800|km|mi|abbr=on}}. These very large weapons were aerodynamically similar to the [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15]] fighter, fitted with either a nuclear or conventional warhead, having a range of about {{cvt|140|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}}. They were intended for use primarily against [[United States Navy|US Navy]] [[aircraft carrier]]s and other large surface ships. Subsequent Tu-16s were converted to carry later, more advanced missiles, while their designations changed several times.

[[File:Tu-16 Egyptian.jpg|thumb|Egyptian Tu-16s c.1980]]

A versatile design, the Tu-16 was built in numerous specialized variants for [[aerial reconnaissance]], [[maritime surveillance]], electronic intelligence gathering ([[ELINT]]), and [[electronic warfare]] ([[Electronic countermeasures|ECM]]). In total, 1,507 aircraft were constructed in three plants in the Soviet Union, in 1954–1962. A civilian adaptation, the [[Tupolev Tu-104]], saw passenger service with [[Aeroflot]]. The Tu-16 was also exported to [[Indonesia]], [[Egypt]], and [[Iraq]]. It continued to be used by the Air Forces and naval aviation of the Soviet Union and subsequently Russia, until 1993.

Delivery of the Tu-16 to [[People's Republic of China|China]] began in 1958, and the [[Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation]]  license-produced the aircraft under the Chinese designation [[Xian H-6]]. At least 120 of these aircraft remain in service. On 14 May 1965, one of the [[PLAAF]] Tu-16 bombers carried out the first airborne nuclear weapon test inside China.<ref name="AirForceWorld.com_Tu-16_bomber_nuclear_test_China">{{cite web |url=http://www.airforceworld.com/bomber/Tu-16_Badger_Bomber_Soviet_Union.htm |title=Tu-16 bomber carried out nuclear bomb test in China, 1965 |work=AirForceWorld.com |access-date=15 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906140941/http://www.airforceworld.com/bomber/Tu-16_Badger_Bomber_Soviet_Union.htm |archive-date=6 September 2011 }}</ref>

==Variants==
{{see also|Xian H-6}}

[[File:F-8H Crusader of VF-13 escorts Egyptian Tupolev Tu-16 in May 1969.jpg|thumb|An F-8H Crusader of VF-13 escorts an Egyptian Tupolev Tu-16 in May 1969]]
[[File:Tu-16 Badger G.jpg|thumb|right|Tu-16 Badger G with [[KSR-5]] missile]]
[[File:Tu-16badger 2.jpg|thumb|right|Tu-16K-10-26 Badger C]]
[[File:Tu-16K.jpg|thumb|right|Tu-16K-26 or Tu-16KSR-2-11-16, with KSR-5 missiles under wings (1998)]]

Among the main production variants of the Badger were the Tu-16 and Tu-16A bombers and Tu-16KS and Tu-16K-10 missile carriers, Tu-16SPS, "Elka", and Tu-16Ye ECM aircraft, Tu-16R reconnaissance aircraft, and Tu-16T [[torpedo bomber]]s; others were produced from conversions. Individual aircraft could be modified several times, with designations changed, especially concerning missile-carrying aircraft.

* '''"Aircraft 88"''' – Initial prototype.
* '''"Aircraft 97"''' – Twin-engined long-range bomber development project of Tu-16 with two RD-5 engines.
* '''"Aircraft 103"''' – Supersonic bomber development project of Tu-16 with four VD-7 AM-13 engines.
* '''Badger A (Tu-16)''' – This is the basic configuration of the Tu-16 [[bomber]] deployed in 1954 to replace the [[Tu-4]]. Several modified models of this variant existed, all of which were known as Badger A in the West.
** '''Tu-16A''' – Modified Tu-16s designed to carry [[nuclear bombs]], one of main versions, with 453 built. Many of these were subsequently converted into other variants.
** '''Tu-16Z''' – An early specialized version of the Tu-16 that served as airborne [[Tanker (aircraft)|tankers]] (a refuelling method: wing-to-wing), though retaining their medium bomber role.
** '''Tu-16G (Tu-104G)''' – Fast air mail model, Aeroflot aircrew training version.
** '''Tu-16N''' – A dedicated tanker version for [[Tu-22]]/[[Tu-22M]] bombers, with probe and drogue system. Entered service in 1963. Similar aircraft Tu-16NN converted from Tu-16Z.
** '''Tu-16T''' – Limited production maritime strike version ([[torpedo bomber]]), that served in the [[Soviet Naval Aviation]], and carried [[torpedo]]es, [[naval mine|mines]] and [[depth charges]]. 76 built and some more converted. All units subsequently converted into Tu-16S configuration.
** '''Tu-16S''' – A lifeboat carrier version used for search and rescue operations.
** '''Tu-16Ye''' – These were equipped with heavy [[electronic warfare]] and [[electronic intelligence]] ([[ELINT]]) equipment.
* '''Badger B (Tu-16KS)''' – Variant designed as a launch platform for two [[AS-1 Kennel]]/[[KS-1 Komet]] missiles. 107 built in 1954–1958, served with the [[Soviet Naval Aviation]], Egypt and Indonesia. Soviet ones later converted with newer missiles.
* '''Badger C (Tu-16K-10)''' – Another Naval Aviation variant, units of this version carried a single [[AS-2 Kipper]]/[[K-10S]] [[anti-ship missile]]. 216 built in 1958–1963. It differed from other variants in having a radar in a nose. A further development, the '''Tu-16K-10-26''', carried a single K-10S and two [[KSR-2]] or KSR-5 [[AS-6 Kingfish]] missiles (K-26 missile complex). Some were later converted into ELINT platforms.
* '''Badger D (Tu-16RM-1)''' – Maritime reconnaissance model with ELINT equipment; 23 converted from Tu-16K-10. It retained its radar in a nose and could guide K-10S missiles, fired from other planes, at targets.
* '''Badger E (Tu-16R)''' – [[Reconnaissance]] version of the airframe, with ELINT equipment, first of all meant for maritime reconnaissance. It could guide KS missiles.
** '''Tu-16RM-2''' – modified Tu-16R, serving in the Naval Aviation. It could guide KSR-2 missiles.
** '''Tu-16KRM''' – Launch platforms for  [[target drone]]s (a variant of Tu-16K-26).
* '''Badger F (Tu-16RM-2)''' – Another reconnaissance version based on the −16R/RM but with the addition of external [[ELINT]] equipment.
* '''Badger G (Tu-16K/Tu-16KSR)''' – Serving in the Naval Aviation, these were conversions from earlier models. These were designed to carry bombs in internal bays in addition to carrying air-to-surface missiles externally, such as the [[AS-5 Kelt]] and [[AS-6 Kingfish]]. There existed numerous variants, designated either from carried missile complex (K-11, K-16 and K-26) or from missiles of these complexes (KSR-11, KSR-2 and KSR-5). Following further modifications, they were also given suffixes. Main variants:
**'''Tu-16KSR-2''' – carrying the K-16 complex (two KSR-2 missiles). Used from 1962. Similar aircraft, converted from other variants, were designated '''Tu-16K-16'''.
**'''Tu-16K-11-16''' – carrying the K-16 complex (KSR-2 missiles) or the K-11 complex (two anti-radar KSR-11 missiles). Used from 1962. Similar aircraft were designated '''Tu-16KSR-2-11'''. Over 440 Tu-16 could carry the K-16 or K-11 complex.
**'''Tu-16K-26''' – carrying the K-26 complex (two KSR-5 missiles), retaining a capability of KSR-2 and 11 missiles. Used from 1969. Similar aircraft were designated '''Tu-16KSR-2-5-11''' or '''Tu-16KSR-2-5''' (no KSR-11 capability). Over 240 Tu-16 could carry the K-26 complex.
**'''Tu-16K-26P''' – carrying the K-26P missiles (two anti-radar KSR-5P missiles, as well as KSR-5, 2 or 11).
* '''Badger H (Tu-16 Elka)''' – Designed for stand-off [[electronic warfare]] and [[electronic counter-measures]] support.
* '''Badger J (Tu-16P Buket)''' – Another electronic warfare variant configured as an ECM strike escort.
* '''Badger K (Tu-16Ye''') – Believed to be a version of the Badger F configuration possessing enhanced ELINT capability.
* '''Badger L (Tu-16P)''' – Another version of the Badger J with more modern systems and used in ELINT role.
* '''"Aircraft 90"''' – Turboprop-powered project.
* '''[[Tupolev Tu-104|Tu-104]]''' – Civilian airliner version.

==Former operators==
[[File:Badger operators.png|thumb|upright=1.5|{{legend|#ff0000|Current operators of the Tu-16/[[Xian H-6|H-6]]}}{{legend|#810000|Former operators}}]]

; {{ARM}}
*[[Armenian Air Force]]: 30 aircraft inherited from the Soviet Union. Out of service by 1995.<ref name="WAF4">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/armenia/arm.html|title=World Air Forces|work=Armenia Air Force|access-date=2007-01-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070115114214/http://worldairforces.com/Countries/armenia/arm.html|archive-date=2007-01-15}}</ref>
; {{Flag|Azerbaijan|1991}}
*[[Azerbaijan Air Force]]: 10 aircraft inherited from the Soviet Union. Out of service by 1995.<ref name="WAF1">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/azerbaijan/aze.html|title=World Air Forces|work=Azerbaijan Air Force|access-date=2007-01-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112094401/http://www.worldairforces.com/countries/azerbaijan/aze.html|archive-date=2006-11-12}}</ref>
; {{Flag|Belarus|1991}}
*[[Belarus Air Force]]: 18 aircraft inherited upon the fall of the Soviet Union,<ref name="AI">{{cite journal |date=August 2006 |title= Aircraft Profile:Tupolev Tu-16 ''Badger'' |journal= Air International }}</ref> out of service by 1995.<ref name="WAF2">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/belarus/bye.html|title=World Air Forces|work=Belarus Air Force|access-date=2007-01-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231070813/http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/belarus/bye.html|archive-date=2006-12-31}}</ref>
; {{CHN}}
*[[People's Liberation Army Air Force]]: A few Tu-16s were acquired in 1959; the type was then [[License-built|built under licence]] as the [[Xian H-6]].
; {{EGY}}
*[[Egyptian Air Force]]: Operated Tu-16KS, Tu-16T, Tu-16KSR-2-11, and Tu-16R. Also operated H-6. Last retired in 2000.<ref name="Goebel">{{cite web|url=http://www.vectorsite.net/avtu16.html|title=VectorSite|work=The Tupolev Tu-16 "Badger"|access-date=2007-01-12|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417131858/http://www.vectorsite.net/avtu16.html|archive-date=2012-04-17}}</ref> By 1966, Air Group 65, with its primary base at [[Cairo West Air Base]], was operating three squadrons of Tu-16s: No. 34 and 36 Squadrons with bomber variants, and No. 95 Squadron equipped with the Tu-16KS' that could carry [[AS-1 Kennel]] [[air-to-surface missile]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationgeekclub.com/did-you-know-the-former-president-of-egypt-hosni-mubarak-was-a-good-military-pilot-pt-2-nocturnal-il-28-reconnaissance-sorties-over-israel/|title=Did you know the former President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak was a good military pilot? Part 2 Nocturnal Il-28 reconnaissance sorties over Israel|date=18 April 2020|access-date=19 April 2020|website=AviationGeekClub.com|first=Tom|last=Cooper|archive-date=18 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418220946/https://theaviationgeekclub.com/did-you-know-the-former-president-of-egypt-hosni-mubarak-was-a-good-military-pilot-pt-2-nocturnal-il-28-reconnaissance-sorties-over-israel/|url-status=live}}</ref>
; {{Flagcountry|Georgia (country)|1990}}
*[[Georgian Air Force]]: 20 aircraft inherited from the Soviet Union. Out of service by 1995.<ref name="WAF3">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/georgia/geo.html|title=World Air Forces|work=Georgia Air Force|access-date=2007-01-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117013641/http://worldairforces.com/Countries/georgia/geo.html|archive-date=2007-01-17}}</ref>
; {{IDN}}
[[File:Tupolev-TU-16-B-KS.jpg|thumb|Indonesian Air Force Tu-16KS-1 1625 at [[Dirgantara Mandala Museum]]]]
*[[Indonesian Air Force]] (TNI-AU): 26 Tu-16KS-1 acquired in 1961. Used during the preparation of [[Operation Trikora]] in 1962, being the capture of [[Western New Guinea]] from the Netherlands. They were also planned to be used for attacking the {{sclass|Colossus|aircraft carrier}} {{HNLMS|Karel Doorman|R81|6}}. All were based at [[Iswahyudi Air Force Base|Iswahjudi Air Force Base]] in [[Madiun]], [[East Java]], and were grounded in 1969. Removed from service in 1970.<ref name="Goebel" />
; {{flagcountry|Ba'athist Iraq}}
*[[Iraqi Air Force]]: 8 x Tu-16 and 6 x Tu-16KSR-2-11. Also operated 4 [[Xian H-6|B-6D (H-6D)]]. One B-6D was downed during the Iran-Iraq War. Two were destroyed in [[Operation Desert Storm]] in 1991.<ref name="Goebel" />
; {{RUS}}: Retired from military service by 1995. A few aircraft were maintained and operated by designers and manufacturers for testing until 2001−2002, when it was finally retired<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mladenov |first1=Alexander |last2=Grozev |first2=Krasimir |title=Tupolev Tu-16 Versatile Badger |url=https://www.key.aero/article/tupolev-tu-16-versatile-badger |website=Key.Aero |access-date=8 December 2024 |language=en |date=8 March 2021}}</ref>
*[[Russian Air Force]]
*[[Russian Naval Aviation]]
; {{USSR}}
*[[Soviet Air Force]] (transferred to successor states)
*[[Soviet Naval Aviation]] (transferred to successor states)
; {{Flagicon image|Flag of Ukraine (fair blue).svg}} [[Ukraine]]
*[[Ukrainian Air Force]]: 121 aircraft inherited from USSR.<ref name="AI" /> All retired from service.

==Notable accidents==
* On 25 May 1968 a [[Soviet Air Force]] Tu-16 Badger-F piloted by Colonel Andrey Pliyev buzzed the US Navy aircraft carrier {{USS|Essex|CV-9}} in the Norwegian Sea.<ref>{{cite web | title=That time a Soviet bomber crashed into the sea after buzzing a U.S. aircraft carrier|first=David|last=Cenciotti| website=The Aviationist | date=14 April 2016 | url=https://theaviationist.com/2016/04/14/that-time-a-soviet-bomber-crashed-into-the-sea-after-buzzing-a-u-s-aircraft-carrier/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814180227/https://theaviationist.com/2016/04/14/that-time-a-soviet-bomber-crashed-into-the-sea-after-buzzing-a-u-s-aircraft-carrier/ | archive-date=14 August 2017 | url-status=live}}</ref> The Tu-16 made four passes, and on the last a wing clipped the sea and it crashed with no survivors. Parts of three bodies were recovered by the US.<ref>[http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/05/26/page/1/article/russ-bomber-falls-in-sea-near-u-s-ship/ "Russ bomber falls in sea near U.S. ship May 26, 1968"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814215153/http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/05/26/page/1/article/russ-bomber-falls-in-sea-near-u-s-ship/ |date=August 14, 2017 }} ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' Retrieved August 14, 2017</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/23/weekinreview/the-game-pilots-play-over-the-mediterranean.html The Games Pilots Play Over the Mediterranean August 23, 1981] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828072145/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/23/weekinreview/the-game-pilots-play-over-the-mediterranean.html |date=August 28, 2017 }} ''[[The New York Times]]'' Retrieved August 14, 2017</ref><ref>[https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=184720 ASN Aircraft Accident 27-May-1968 Tupolev Tu-16 Badger] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814215455/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=184720 |date=2017-08-14 }} ''[[Aviation Safety Network]]'' Retrieved August 14, 2017</ref>
*On 1 February 1971 a modified Tu-16 flying laboratory crashed during testing of a new jet engine, resulting in the death of the entire crew, including test pilot [[Amet-khan Sultan]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Боевые лётчики — дважды и трижды Герои Советского Союза|last1=Simonov|first1=Andrey|author-link=Andrey Simonov|last2=Bodrikhin|first2=Nikolai|publisher=Russian Knights Foundation and Vadim Zadorozhny Museum of Technology|year=2017|isbn=9785990960510|location=Moscow|oclc=1005741956|trans-title=Combat pilots - Twice and thrice Heroes of the Soviet Union|page=46}}</ref>
* On 28 August 1978 an early model Tu-16 crashed on [[Hopen (Svalbard)|Hopen island]] in [[Svalbard]], Norway. All seven crew were killed in the accident. It was discovered by a four-man Norwegian weather forecasting team. The Soviets refused to admit the loss of an aircraft until the bodies of the crew were given to them. Norway transcribed the contents of the flight recorder over the objections of the Soviet government.<ref>"[https://web.stanford.edu/group/tomzgroup/pmwiki/uploads/3606-1978-10-27-FoF-a-PWJ.pdf Soviet Union Military Plane Crashes in Norway]", ''Facts On File World News Digest'', October 27, 1978 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506214732/https://web.stanford.edu/group/tomzgroup/pmwiki/uploads/3606-1978-10-27-FoF-a-PWJ.pdf |date=May 6, 2018 }} Retrieved August 15, 2017</ref><ref>[https://www.csmonitor.com/1980/0909/090940.html Svalbard Arctic out post at strategic crossroads September 9, 1980] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815182428/https://www.csmonitor.com/1980/0909/090940.html |date=August 15, 2017 }} ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' Retrieved August 15, 2017</ref><ref>Umbreit, Andreas [https://books.google.com/books?id=JLM1XNVhw-oC&dq=tu-16+svalbard+1978&pg=PA132 Bradt Svalbard: Spitzbergen with Frank Josef Land & Jan Mayen page 132] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715203503/https://books.google.com/books?id=JLM1XNVhw-oC&dq=tu-16+svalbard+1978&pg=PA132 |date=2023-07-15 }} Retrieved August 15, 2017</ref>
* On 27 June 1980 a Soviet Air Force Tu-16 Badger on a [[Tokyo Express (flights)|Tokyo Express]] flight crashed near [[Komatsu Airport|Komatsu Air Base]] in [[Ishikawa Prefecture]] in the [[Sea of Japan]]. There were no survivors. The remains of three crew members were recovered by the [[Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force]] ship ''[[JDS Nemuro (LST-4103)|Nemuro]]''.

==Specifications (Tu-16)==
[[File:Tupolev Tu-16.svg|right|300px|Orthographic projection of the Tupolev Tu-16.]]

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|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|sink rate ms=<!-- sailplanes -->
|sink rate ftmin=<!-- sailplanes -->
|sink rate note=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=460
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|disk loading kg/m2=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=0.24
|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->
|guns= 6–7 × 23 mm [[Afanasev Makarov AM-23]] cannons, two each in dorsal and ventral remote turrets and manned tail turret, with the occasional addition of one fixed forward in the nose
|bombs= Badger-A + Export versions 9,000 kg (20,000 lb) of free-fall weapons{{clarify|date=March 2011|reason=All Tu-16 were capable of bombs, or only selected ones?}}
|rockets= 
|missiles=<br/>
** Badger-B 2 × [[Raduga KS-1 Komet]] ([[AS-1 Kennel]]) [[anti-ship missile]] on underwing hardpoints
** Badger-C 1 × [[Raduga K-10S]] ([[AS-2 Kipper]]) [[anti-ship missile]] semi-recessed in bomb bay
** Badger-C/G 2 × [[Raduga KSR-2]] ([[AS-5 Kelt]]) or [[Raduga KSR-5]] ([[AS-6 Kingfish]]) [[anti-ship missile]] on underwing hardpoints
|hardpoints= 2 Underwing hardpoints for missiles and a bomb bay for missiles or bombs (depending on variant)
|hardpoint capacity=
|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Tupolev Tu-104]]
* [[Tupolev Tu-124]]
* [[Xian H-6]]
* [[Tupolev Tu-107]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Avro Vulcan]]
* [[Boeing B-47 Stratojet]]
*[[Myasishchev M-4]]
* [[Handley Page Victor]]
* [[Vickers Valiant]]
}}

==References==

===Footnotes===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite magazine|last=Healey|first=John K.|title=Retired Warriors: 'Cold War' Bomber Legacy |magazine=[[Air Enthusiast]] |date=January–February 2004|issue=109 |pages=75–79 |issn=0143-5450}}
*{{cite journal|title=Pentagon Over the Islands: The Thirty-Year History of Indonesian Military Aviation|journal=Air Enthusiast Quarterly |date=n.d. |issue=2 |pages=154–162 |issn=0143-5450}}
* [http://russianforces.org/eng/book/ ''Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces'',edited by Pavel Podvig, The MIT Press, 2001.]
* ''Soviet Military Power'': 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988
* ''Ту-16. Ракетно-бомбовый ударный комплекс Советских ВВС'', ''Voyna v Vozduhye'' series no 26
* EDISI KOLEKSI ANGKASA, RUDAL UDARA TRACKED AND DESTROYED, Edition of September 2006.

==External links==
{{commons|Tupolev Tu-16}}
* [https://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/bomber/tu-16.htm FAS on the Tu-16]
* [http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Badger.html Xian H-6 Badger]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120629052817/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/groundattack/h6.asp H-6 Medium Bomber]
* http://airwar.ru/ – Ugolok Neba (Russian language)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150303180433/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/english/B-6-H-6-bomber-china.html H-6H and H-6K Cruise Missile Bomber, AirForceWorld.com]

{{Tupolev Tu-16 family}}
{{Tupolev aircraft}}
{{USAF/DoD reporting names}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1950s Soviet bomber aircraft]]
[[Category:Tupolev aircraft|Tu-0016]]
[[Category:Twinjets]]
[[Category:Mid-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1952]]
[[Category:Soviet military tanker aircraft]]
[[Category:Electronic warfare aircraft]]
[[Category:Strategic bombers]]