---
product_id: 35657308
title: "Tupolev Tu‑160: Soviet Strike Force Spearhead"
brand: "yefim gordondmitriy komissarov"
price: "R2173"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 7
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/35657308-tupolev-tu-160-soviet-strike-force-spearhead
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# Tupolev Tu‑160: Soviet Strike Force Spearhead

**Brand:** yefim gordondmitriy komissarov
**Price:** R2173
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Tupolev Tu‑160: Soviet Strike Force Spearhead by yefim gordondmitriy komissarov
- **How much does it cost?** R2173 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/35657308-tupolev-tu-160-soviet-strike-force-spearhead)

## Best For

- yefim gordondmitriy komissarov enthusiasts

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## Description

Tupolev Tu‑160: Soviet Strike Force Spearhead

## Images

![Tupolev Tu‑160: Soviet Strike Force Spearhead - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81kqsB34F2L.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding - finest book published on the Tu-160 (Blackjack) development history & use
*by G***R on August 11, 2018*

Authors (Y. Gordon & D. Komissarov) continue the Soviet/Russian aircraft series with another fine volume, devoted to the development history and later operational use of the Tupolev Tu-160 (Blackjack) strategic bomber.Chapters include three initial chapters devoted to development of the T-4/T-4M high-altitude strategic bomber design, that pre-dated all later Tu-160 designs (both 1st and 2nd use of this designation). The unique T-4/T-4M was too advanced for Soviet technologies at the time, and was shown to be unstable in flight. It limitation of only two nuclear-armed Kh-45 and Kh-2000 air-to-ground missiles would have made for an extremely expensive aircraft for a "low-payload" aircraft design! What followed were a whole series of concepts, some being close to the Tupolev Tu-144 supersonic airliner, often with forward canards, and both internal and externally mounted engine configurations.Out of this effort came the first-designation Tu-160, a series of swing-wing designs, some clearly inspired by the Tu-144.In 1970, Tupolev OKB (with TsAGI oversight), proposed the Tu-160M (first use designation), with two mission roles envisioned: missile strike with ASM's, and strategic reconnaissance. The 'M' added designation was for "mnogotselevoy"(multi-role). With high use of titanium, LERX wing planform, an IFR probe, and several aspects of the Tu-144 included, the design was getting the Soviet close to a future aircraft. Capable of carrying four Kh-45 or Kh-2000 (never developed) AGMs or free-fall bombs (9,000-kg.), money now became the issue! Estimates of a 100-aircraft production run would have average unit cost at 11-million rubles (mid-70s value). The ISR variant would have included PHOTINT, SIGINT/ELINT, and two "Veron" (Raven) drones - designs exactly similar to the SR-71's D-21 (probably a design copy acquired by a Soviet agent in the U.S.). The Myasishchev, Tupolev, and Sukhoi competition for a future strategic bomber saw the Sukhoi T-4MS rejection, while continuing with design of a swing wing (VG) of predominantly aluminium construction - becoming the new Tu-160 (2nd designation).Chapter 3 focuses on the early development and prototype flying of the Blackjack, with Ch. 4 focused on production (including a range of factory production photos), and Ch. 5 going into production versions and projects (including a SLV launch aircraft variant). Ch. 6 takes the reader to the close-up details of the aircraft. Ch. 7 focus is on "In Service", including the contentious issues of Blackjack's in the Ukraine after the break-up of the USSR - and, final fate of the whole lot of then available aircraft. This chapter includes lots of operational comments by Russian pilots, including aircraft limitations, etc. - a highly intriguing section.Augmenting all the specification tables, Tu-160 production list, outstanding color drawing of individual aircraft (Appendix 1), and World Records held by the Tu-160 (Appendix 2).Produced on high-quality art paper, heavily illustrated, the 288-pages are well worth the books cost.IF the reader of this review is interested in Soviet/Russian aircraft developments in the Cold War - don't pass this one up.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Very Satisfying Aircraft History
*by J***L on November 12, 2017*

Once again Gordon and Komissarov deliver a very satisfying aircraft history. The story starts with a 40+ page pre-history of the development and the associated politics within the various design and politburos. Chapter 2 (Design) has some superb structural models that provide a true understanding of the structural layout. The book proceeds apace with the other chapters providing the history of construction details, service use, projects, etc. Lavishly illustrated there are plenty of detailed photographs and exploded drawings showing major assemblies and sub-assemblies. The only areas I found wanting were in the engine, fuel system and a few other areas of unique interest. Modelers will be well served by the flight deck and bomb bay shots. Strongly and unequivocally recommended for those with an interest in Russian/Soviet Aviation, Strategic Aircraft, and modelers.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love it
*by F***Y on December 25, 2024*

Love it

## Frequently Bought Together

- Tupolev Tu‑160: Soviet Strike Force Spearhead
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- Myasishchev M-50 and M-52: The First Soviet Supersonic Strategic Bomber

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-02-26*