Kazan Aviation Plant performed the first test flight of Tu-160 strategic bomber (also called Beliy Lebed or White Swan) after an overhaul and an upgrade, Lenta.ru reports with reference to Tupolev Company.

“The duration of flight was 2 hours 40 minutes. The bomber’s maiden flight was performed by first class test pilot of Kazan Aviation Plant named after S.P. Gorbunov, Alexey Ryabov,» said in the company’s statement.

In mid-2000s the upgrade and overhaul of Tu-160 bombers to Tu-160M version was started. In the network of this project the aircraft’s service life was extended and the jets were fitted with new avionics. Moreover, the upgraded vehicles are able to use new weapons, including advanced cruise missiles Kh-101/Kh-102. In 2020 the air forces plan to operate a fleet of 10 upgraded Tu-160M bombers.

The first Tu-160 supersonic strategic bombers were put into service in 1987. The jet’s takeoff weight is 275 tons, maximum speed – 2000 km/h, payload – 40 tons (including free-fall and guided bombs (including nuclear ones), strategic cruise missiles Kh-55 or Kh-15 aeroballistic missiles). The jet’s range with a full payload is over 10 thousand kilometers (with reduced payload – from 14 to 16 thousand kilometers).

Since mid-2020s Tu-160 jets along with Tu-95MS aircraft will be gradually replaced by next-generation PAK DA bomber, which is under development.