Blinder Interceptor

[McGreig]

For years Western books and magazines reported that the Tu-28 Fiddler was being replaced by an interceptor version of the Tu-22 Blinder. Sadly, the reports were based either on Soviet misinformation or poor Western intelligence and the Blinder interceptor never existed in reality.

I built this a few years ago to see what a Tu-22 interceptor might have looked like, using the missiles and pylons from the MiG-25. Like a lot of other models, it got damaged over the years and a lot of the undercarriage went missing, but I restored it for Telford using parts cannibalised from another Tu-22 (which is destined to be a supersonic flying boat at some time in the future).

This is the Tu-22 at Telford

[McGreig]

This is a pre-Telford shot, just after it had been restored (replacement of missing undercarriage and aerials and a complete repaint). OK,  so it's overall grey but I defy anyone to dismiss the Blinder as just more boring grey! And it's so much easier to do than natural metal - - -  

[McGreig]

A final post restoration shot

[AeroplaneDriver]

Soviet stuff has never been my cup or tea, but that really is a beautiful machine.  I may have to think again about the Italeri Tu-22 my LHS has for 50% off...

Nice restoration!

[Maverick]

I've always loved the Blinder, looked like it was going mach 2 just sitting on the ground.

Sweet build McG, gotta gets me a couple o' them

Mav

[cthulhu77]

very elegant looking bird, wonderful job.  I happen to love those T craft!

[dy031101]

Unlike Maverick I dislike Tu-22 (not the M development), but I can't dislike this one.  This is indeed elegant.

[gooberliberation]

That's just sooo.... right! I especially like how you broke up the gray with white panels.

Looks like I gotta make an backfire interceptor.

Tu-22M3P Fackfire?  

[The Rat]

Gorgeous bit o' work there!  

...another Tu-22 (which is destined to be a supersonic flying boat at some time in the future).

Now you've really got my attention!    

[GTX]

Looks like I gotta make an backfire interceptor.

Tu-22M3P Fackfire?

Already planned - maybe it could go as the replacement to this?  The story I've developed is that after losing out to Mikoyan with their MiG-31, Tupolev takes the Tu-22M3 design and develops an ultra-interceptor with modified Zalson-M radar (with even larger antenna array + more processing power - therefore more targeting ability); weapons bay able to be packed with Vympel R-33 and or Vympel R-37 AAMs (160km & 300km range respectively) as well as external pylons with the same; crew of 4 still - but now comprising Pilot, Co-pilot/Electronic Warfare systems operator, 2 x Weapon system operators.  for selecting targets/firing missiles.  

The resulting Tu-22MP or Tu-23 (odd numbered designator since fighter/interceptor) would be nick named дрожь ('Quiver' in Russian on account of its large quantity of 'arrows' - the R33 being referred to as Arrow in Russian service.  Potential Nato code names – Fearful, Fearless, Fashback, Fender, , Farfetch, Farflung, Fearsome, or Feline.  The role would be to take out large numbers of bombers/cruise missiles trying to attack.

Regards,

Greg

[lancer]

Oh my,....what a beautiful looking machine. I've always been impressed by the Blinder, and this example is superb.  

[Mike Wren]

very nice indeed!    

[ysi_maniac]

I've always loved the Blinder, looked like it was going mach 2 just sitting on the ground.

I absolutely agree, and this model is just RIGHT!
         

[Supertom]

This has got to be one of the biggest Whiffs ever posted on this site.  Very nice.

[retro_seventies]

Stunning work sir - marvellous!