Tupolev Tu-142M: The Strong Soviet Sentry in the Indian Navy
Tu-142M is one of the best reconnaissance aircraft from the Soviet era
Let’s start rolling gently
We often look back at things that make us happy. When the subject is about the aviation from Soviet era, then the first name that strikes in our minds is the attractive Tupolev Tu-142M reconnaissance aircraft inducted in the Indian Navy.
Our objective today is to keep the legacy of this now forgotten aircraft from the Soviet period intact and fresh in people’s mind without venturing too much into technical aspects.
Why Tupolev Tu-142M variant for the Indian Navy?
Imagine a scenario where a burglary attempt looms in your locality and you want to be extra cautious and be prepared for a possible incident.
The Indian Navy was in a serious need to protect its maritime boundaries due to a possible threat looming in the 1980s that resulted in the induction of Tupolev Tu-142M aircraft into the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 312, nicknamed Albatross.
This squadron was based in INS Hansa- Goa, which was later relocated to Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu.
Some interesting facts that will help you better visualise this Tupolev Tu-142M
- Tu-142M is a long range, anti-submarine and warfare (ASW) aircraft.
- This Soviet built aircraft measures 53 metres in length with a wingspan of 50 metres.
- Designed by Tupolev design bureau while manufacturing was carried out at Kuibyshev Aviation and Taganrog Machinery Plants (from 1968–1994).
- Capable of carrying under water missiles, anti-submarine missiles, sonobuoys (multi and omni directional), an aft camera under the fuselage to record the bombings, while the tail had a gunner section, fitted with 23 millimetre gun.
- Has a designed endurance of 16 hours and 45 minutes, with aerial re-fuelling capabilities.
- Powerful four-engine beast with four co-axial propellers (8 on each engine).
- The main landing gear bogey tilted 180 degrees and relied on electric motors for retraction, whereas the nose wheel relied on pneumatic pressure.
There are three cities in India where you can feel these Tu-142M aircraft in person. They are:
- The city of destiny — Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- The city of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
- The city of joy — Kolkata, West Bengal
The legend still lives up to its dreams even today
Soviet built aircrafts are not only known for their mega size but also remembered for its role. This aerial wonder Tupolev Tu-142M was decommissioned after 29 years of service with Indian Navy, and saw its new home just opposite to its deep sea partner, The INS Kursura (the decommissioned Submarine of the Indian navy) in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-India.
This Tupolev aircraft museum attracts hundreds of visitors daily where they actually get to step inside the aircraft, watch the instruments, radios on static display and the cockpit, take photos, visit the room that houses the uniforms and other critical equipment used during Tu-142M’s operations.
The aircraft today on display in the above mentioned cities are never alone because they are always surrounded by smiles, innocent faces, aspiring naval and air force pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
Make your upcoming weekend more memorable by visiting the Tupolev Tu-142M aircraft.
Pramod Sharma, Author
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References:
While a major percentage of the information displayed is my own, the following sources were of great help:
- Naval Technology: https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/tu-142m-long-range-anti-submarine-aircraft/
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-142
- The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/indian-navys-decommissioned-aircraft-tu-142m-displayed-at-museum-in-kakinada/article67888419.ece
