Russian Navy Tu-142 Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft to be Modernized in Next Five Years

: Posted On Sunday, 05 April 2015 22:51

Naval Forces News - Russia

Russian Navy Tu-142 Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft to be Modernized in Next Five Years

Russia's Naval Forces' Tu-142 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft fleet will be modernized in the coming four-five years, an aircraft industry source said Friday. There are over 20 Tu-142 aircraft operational with Russia's Naval Aviation units.

The Tu-142MZ (NATO Designation Bear-F Mod 4) is the latest variant of the Tu-142 series. It was in production until 1994. Picture: US Navy

"The modernization will include on-board radio-electronic systems of the aircraft. Parameters of the antisubmarine complex, the navigation system and the weapons control system will be improved," the source said. The "Zaslon" research center will play one of the key roles in upgrading the onboard electronic systems of the aircraft. The company has extensive experience of modernizing weapons control systems.

The Tupolev Tu-142 is a maritime reconnaissance and ASW aircraft derived from the Tu-95 turboprop strategic bomber. Its first flight occured in 1968 while the latest variant (Tu-142MZ) was produced until 1994.

The aircraft is fitted with two weapon bays with a total capacity of 11,340 kg combat load for:
- Sonobuoys (RGB-15/25/55A/75)
- Up to 12 torpedoes (APR-2, APR-3 and UMGT-1)
Typical loadout being 126 sonobuoys and 6 torpedoes