If production of the supersonic Tu-160 begins again, KRET will equip the bomber with electronic warfare (EW) systems. KRET’s new device has advanced features to overcome air defense systems.

Yesterday, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said that production of the Tu-160 supersonic strategic bombers is expected to begin again. As quoted by RIA Novosti, the minister said, “No one has yet come up with a better aircraft in the supersonic class.”

As a result of its modernization, the Tu-160 will have improved flight characteristics and an expanded range of weapons.

KRET announced its preparedness to begin production of avionics for the strategic missile carrier. The aircraft will be equipped with a piloting unit, an airborne weapons control systems, sensors, fuel equipment, and display systems developed by the concern.

In addition, the aircraft will be equipped with a strapdown inertial navigation system of the BINS-SP type, developed by KRET, as well as a high-performance electronic warfare system with improved tactical and technical capabilities to overcome air defense systems.

The Tu-160 is the largest and most powerful supersonic aircraft with a variable geometry wing in the history of military aviation. The bomber’s first flight took place on December 18, 1981, and the aircraft has remained in service since 1987. It is worth noting that there were nine years between the start of the aircraft’s design process in 1972 and its first flight. This is a very short time for such an ambitious project, which testifies to the power of the Soviet Air Force. In total, about 800 enterprises and organizations in various fields worked on the Tu-160. Enterprises that today are part of KRET also took part in the project. For example, today’s Aviation Electronics and Communication Systems (AVECS) developed the engine management and fuel consumption systems, as well as the service system that helps the crew during crisis situations.

The aircraft’s high flight characteristics have been confirmed by a number of records. In total, the Tu-160 has set 44 speed and altitude world records. One of the last was a record flight at maximum range, as the flight lasted 24 hours and 24 minutes and covered 18,000 kilometers.