Tu-22M3 Backfire to the future

[McColm]

The Backfire seems to be a popular kit to build, as early as 1972 with Naval Aviation in mind, Tupolev proposed a preliminary project for the 45M, powered by two widely-spaced NK-25 turbofans. The weapons carried were to be two large Kh-45 missiles, at that time planned for the Tu-160.
A paper design was the Tu-22DP , long-range interceptor.
In 2000 the idea emerged of converting the Tu-22M3 into the Tu-344 business jet capable of carrying 12-18 people over a distance of 7,700km or 4,158nm at a cruising speed of Mach 1.7.