The Tupolev Tu-360 was a proposed hypersonic strategic bomber conceived by the Tupolev design bureau in the 1980s. It utilized most of the same technologies as the Tupolev Tu-2000.^[1]

Design and development

The Tupolev OKB intended the Tu-360 as a potential replacement for the Tupolev Tu-160, like the Mach 4 Tupolev Tu-230. Although some sources refer to it as the Tupolev Tu-2000B, largely because it utilized the same liquid hydrogen ramjet engine technology as the Tu-2000, it was officially called Tu-360 in the project index. The Tu-360 had the same layout as the Tu-230 but was much larger and faster. Speeds at Mach 6 required the use of liquid hydrogen, and the weapons were to be housed in two bomb bays. Take-off weight was projected at around 350,000 kg, weapons load at 10,000 kg.^[2] Tupolev planned to build a subscale technology demonstrator weighing 176,370 pounds (80,000 kg) to test the flight characteristics of the Tu-360, but a lack of funds following the fall of the Soviet Union meant that the project was axed in 1992.^[1][3][4]

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: two
• Length: 100 m (328 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 40.7 m (133 ft 6 in)
• Wing area: 1,250 m² (13,500 sq ft)
• Gross weight: 192,000 kg (423,288 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 350,000 kg (771,618 lb)
• Powerplant: × Liquid hydrogen (LH2) Turbo jet/ramjet

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 6
• Range: 15,000 km (9,300 mi, 8,100 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 30,000 m (98,000 ft)

Armament