Skip to content
TrueNorthBriefQuick, clear answers for curious Canadians
Things

Tu-22

What is tu-22?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Name Tupolev Tu-22[1]
NATO reporting name Blinder[2]
Manufacturer Tupolev[1]
Type Medium bomber[1]
Entered service 1960s[2]

The Tu-22 is a Soviet Tupolev-built supersonic medium bomber, known by the NATO reporting name Blinder, that entered service in the 1960s as the first supersonic bomber in Soviet production.

Context

The Tu-22 is a Soviet supersonic medium bomber built by Tupolev, with the NATO reporting name Blinder [2]. It entered service in the 1960s and was the first supersonic bomber to enter production in the Soviet Union [2]. Development began in 1955, and it was first seen publicly in 1961 [3]. It entered operational service in 1962 [4]. The Tu-22 is distinct from the later Tu-22M bomber, which is commonly confused with it [5].

Documented claims

  • The Tu-22 was the first supersonic bomber to enter production in the Soviet Union. [2]
  • Development of the Tu-22 began in 1955. [3]
  • At least three major variants entered operational service: a free-fall bomber, an ASM carrier, and a photo/electronic reconnaissance variant. [4]

Questions and answers

What is the nickname of the Tu-22 bomber?

The NATO reporting name for the Tu-22 is Blinder [2].

When did the Tu-22 enter service?

The Tu-22 entered operational service in 1962 [4].

Is the Tu-22 still used?

The sources do not specify current operational status; the Tu-22 is distinct from the later Tu-22M, which remains in service [5].

Sources

  1. Tupolev Tu-22 - bomber - Aviastar.Org — aviastar.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Tu-22 BLINDER (TUPOLEV) - Russian and Soviet Nuclear ... — nuke.fas.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Tupolev Tu-22 Blinder — History, Specs & Stories — migflug.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Tu-22 'Blinder' - aircraft museum - Aerospaceweb.org — aerospaceweb.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  5. Tupolev Tu-22 "Blinder" & Tu-22M "Backfire" — airvectors.net (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Things