Tupolev Tu-16
| Tupolev Tu-16 | |
|---|---|
| A Tu-16 flying over USS Hewitt c.1978 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Strategic bomber |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Voronezh Aircraft Production Association |
| Designer | |
| Status | Discontinued, in limited service |
| Primary users | Russian Air Force (historical) |
| Number built | 1,509 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1952–1962 |
| Introduction date | 1954 |
| First flight | 27 April 1952 |
| Variants | Xi'an H-6 |
| Developed into | Tupolev Tu-104 Tupolev Tu-124 Tupolev Tu-107 |
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The Tupolev Tu-16 (USAF/DOD reporting name Type 39; NATO reporting name: Badger) is a twin-engined jet strategic heavy bomber used by the Soviet Union. It has been flown for almost 70 years. While many aircraft in Soviet service were retired after the Cold War ended, the Chinese license-built version Xian H-6 remains in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force, with the most modern variant, the H-6K, still being actively produced as of 2020.