Tupolev Tu-22

Tu-22
Tu-22PD
Role	Medium bomber Type of aircraft
National origin	Soviet Union
Manufacturer	Tupolev
First flight	7 September 1959
Introduction	1962
Retired	Early 2000s (Libya)
Status	Retired
Primary users	Soviet Air Force Ukrainian Air Force Libyan Air Force Iraqi Air Force
Produced	1960–1969
Number built	311

The Tupolev Tu-22 (Air Standardization Coordinating Committee name: Blinder) was the first supersonic bomber to enter production in the Soviet Union. Manufactured by Tupolev, the Tu-22 entered service with Long-Range Aviation and Soviet Naval Aviation in the 1960s.

The aircraft was a disappointment, lacking both the speed and range that had been expected. It was also a difficult design to fly and maintain. It was produced in small numbers, especially compared to the Tupolev Tu-16 it was designed to replace. The aircraft was later adapted for other roles, notably as the Tu-22R reconnaissance aircraft and as a carrier for the long-range Kh-22 antiship missile.

Tu-22s were sold to other nations, including Libya and Iraq. The Tu-22 was one of the few Soviet jet bombers to see combat: Libyan Tu-22s were used against Tanzania and Chad, and Iraqi Tu-22s were used during the Iran–Iraq War.