A-Model 72100 Tupolev Tu-128 Fiddler Soviet Air Defence Long-Range Interceptor

The Tupolev Tu-128 (NATO designation: Fiddler) was a Soviet heavy interceptor with an all-metal structure in a spine-wing configuration. The propulsion was provided by two Lulk jet engines AŁ-7F2. The flight of the prototype took place in 1961, a few years later (in 1963 or 1964) serial production began, which led to the creation of 198 aircraft of this type. The armament was usually 4 R-4 missiles of different versions. The plane did not have any permanent on-board weaponry in the form of a cannon or a machine gun.

In the mid-1950s, the command of the Soviet Air Force became aware of the considerable threat to the USSR would be posed by a potential attack by American strategic bombers flying along the northern route - via Canada and the North Pole. To remedy this, it was decided to create a new, heavy and long-range interceptor, namely the Tu-128. The implementation was entrusted to the Tupolev factory, which in turn was based on the prototype of the Tu-98 bomber. As a result, the largest fighter in the history of aviation was created, with a large flight range, high maximum speed and high maximum flight altitude. It also had very good flight properties, especially at supersonic speeds. At the same time, however, it was very difficult to pilot and demanding on the pilot - especially during take-off and landing. In the course of serial production, in addition to the basic version (Tu-128), two more versions were created: the Tu-128UT (training version) and the Tu-128M (a hunting version with a new radar and capable of carrying R-4RM and TM missiles). Tu-128 aircraft began to enter the line from 1966. They were finally withdrawn from service only in the early 1990s.