Tu-16 Info

The Tupolev Tu-16 (NATO code: Badger) is a twin-engine jet bomber developed and used by the USSR Air Force. This aircraft has been in service for more than 50 years, and is still in service in the Chinese Air Force with the Xian H-6 variant.

Tu-16S

around 14 Tu-16Ts were converted to Tu-16S. For your information, the Tu-16T is a maritime strike version. The Tu-16T was operated by the Soviet Navy and was designed to carry torpedoes, sea bombs (depth charges) and mines.

This conversion program started in 1965, in concrete terms with the installation of a large lifeboat, which was placed under the central fuselage. This lifeboat labeled fregate can be released from the air via a parachute (droppable). What is unique, this lifeboat is not just a rescue boat, but the engine activation of these boats can be controlled via radio, and boat control can be carried out via television control, thus facilitating the evacuation process by the SAR team.

For those who don't know the S label on the Tu-16S is "Spasatel'niy," or in English it means "Rescue." There are no records of the use of the T-16S and fregate lifeboat, but from the information compiled, the Tu-16S was in service with the North Sea Fleet until the end of 1980.

Galery

Use Ag3 to remove the lifeboats