TU-160s ON TOUR

On the 10th of December early morning news was filled with reports of a QRA from RAF Lossiemouth. These reports were over dramatised by UK news companies as usual. 2x RAF Typhoons launched from the Scottish base in response to two Tu-160s flew north over Scotland. Then the 2 Russian air force jets routed south west heading towards Venezuela. The Picture below shows one of the "white swan" bombers on the ground after the 6,200 mile flight.

Photo Credit : Sputnik

The Two RAF Typhoons were launched as a precaution along side a RAF Voyager ZZ332. The A330 Voyager launched from Brize Norton. Whilst the 2 Russian jets didn't pose a threat this time , in the past Russian Air Force jets have attempted to enter UK airspace. The jets Enter airspace usually without contacting ATC causing a large amount of disruption to the busy UK airspace thus why we launch our QRA jets to unidentified aircraft.

The two Tu-160s belong to the 121st Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment. As many of you Avgeeks will Know Russian Bombers are given a name. They are each named after a Russian Hero, The 2 which flew 10,000 Kilometers were named “Nikolay Kuznetsov” after a Naval Admiral and “Vasily Reshetnikov” after a Soviet Pilot.

Reports suggest 3 Tu-160s traveled across the north of the UK however mid-flight the 3rd "white swan" traveled back to the Engels 2 Air Base. Its believed this was a back up aircraft or used for air refueling. The two Tu-160s which carried on towards Simón Bolívar International Airport were joined by some more Soviet Aircraft included a heavy lifter, One An-124 traveled to the base also taking vital equipment to support the deployment. Plus a rather retro aircraft flew to Simón Bolívar International Airport. The deployment saw a Ilyushin Il-62 travel out with press and support crew on-board .

Photo Credit : Via Twitter

The Media reported in a dramatic manner regarding the close proximity to Mainland USA. However Russia media suggests the Tu-160s have traveled unarmed and its unlikely to have travelled with any Nuclear Weaponry. This is more a show of force on a Diplomatic scale. Its not currently known when the Tu-160s will head back to Russia.

Written by Kian : Miles to go - Aviation Blogging