Tupolev Tu-85

The Tupolev Tu-85, NATO reporting name Barge, was a Soviet prototype strategic bomber and the ultimate development of the Tu-4 family derived from the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, over 50 percent heavier than the B-29 and with nearly double the range. Design work began in August 1948 to give the Soviet Union an intercontinental bomber, using powerful turbo-compound engines, a redesigned high-altitude wing and 63,600 litres of fuel. The first prototype flew on 9 January 1951 and later covered 9,020 km while dropping a 5,000 kg bomb load. Series production was approved in March 1951 but reversed the same year; only two prototypes were built before the programme gave way to the turboprop Tu-95.