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American Combat Aircraft Superiority

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American Combat Aircraft Superiority During the Cold War At the end of World War 2, Winston Churchill stated that an “iron curtain” had descended upon Europe. That “iron curtain” was the ideological and political barrier that separated Eastern and Western Europe. It could be speculated that when said curtain dropped, the Cold War began. Throughout the Cold War, numerous technological advances took place, despite combat never taking place. One of the most notable advances made during the war was the development and improvement of aeronautical weapons and technology. The two frontrunners of these advances were the two major “belligerents” of the war; the United States of America and the Soviet Union. As the war progressed, numerous fighter planes, …show more content…
In order to fulfill this role, the Soviet Union developed the Tu-22M strategic supersonic bomber. The Tu-22M is a Russian long range strategic bomber that was specifically made to deliver nuclear devices. In addition to nuclear capabilities, the Tu-22M could also be used for maritime strike or reconnaissance missions. Depending on what mission it is being used for, the plane can carry a vast array of weapons. For maritime strikes, the Tu-22 could be armed with anti-ship missiles and torpedoes. For alternative missions, the plane could be fitted with KH-15p anti-radar missiles, KH-22 stand-off missiles, or even FAB-1500 freefall bombs (Airforce Technology). The Tu-22M is a highly versatile plane, which could be used for a numerous amount of missions, ranging from naval engagements to regular bombing runs. Due to its versatility, it is still in service today, almost 40 years after it was first produced (Airforce Technology). In addition to its large weapon payload, the Tu-22M has an abundance of technology onboard. In order to facilitate the process of delivering bombs, the plane is fitted with “PN-A/PN-AD bombing-navigation radar systems, Argon-2 radar fire-control systems and TV-based backup optical bombsights” (Air Power Australia). In addition, the Tu-22M could have additional countermeasures, such a radar and radio jammers, infrared sensors, and missile detection systems. It is also possible for the plane to receive upgraded technology in the future, making it a viable option for bombing missions in the years to

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