This edition of the Russian Aircraft In Action series covers the Tupolev Tu-22M. Those of you who are knowledgeable about aircraft realize that when the F-84F was proposed, it first started out as the XF-96. However, there was no money for new planes and plenty for upgrades. Hence the redesignation of the aircraft to continue a series of planes that had nothing in common with the original. Tupolev did the same thing regarding the Tu-22M. The M stands for Modified and modified it is. There is absolutely nothing in common between the Tu-22M and the older Tu-22 'Blinder' aside from the designation!

Developed in the same climate as the US Air Force's B-1, the Backfire was, in many ways a Soviet answer to this US strategic bomber. It used variable geometry wings to provide the proper mix of high speed dash and reasonable cruising speed. It also underwent a number of changes in its design, specifically those in terms of electronics and the design of the intakes and landing gear. A rather unique aspect of the early Tu-22M was that the center of the three rows of wheels on each main gear bogie was wider than the rest, giving the Backfire the ability to operate from unimproved airfields. It was soon realized that operating an aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons from a dirt or gravel strip wasn't going to happen so a much lighter and simpler landing gear was developed for later versions. As part of the SALT talks, the Backfire lost its intercontinental capabilities by having the in-flight refueling probe removed, making it probably the largest strike aircraft in the inventory of modern air arms!

In concert with other books in the series, this one starts off with three full pages of historical background which includes development, variants and operational history. It is then followed by over 70 pages of large photographs in both black & white and color of the different aircraft and variants.  The photos are all very well done as are the captions. There is a single page of profiles showing both early and later versions. Two pages are devoted to three views.

Overall this is really a super book on this aircraft. It provides a wealth of photographs that both the enthusiast and modeler will come to appreciate. It is one that I can easily recommend to all.

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