Russians utilize this weapon again after 100 days
The last recorded use of the Ch-22 missiles by the Russian Federation's army was on August 15th of this year. Thus, it suggests that the Russians exercised a weapon with a 2094-pound warhead for the first time again, 98 days later, on Tuesday, November 21st using the Tu-22M3 bomber for its launch. Let's revisit the capabilities of these missiles and the aircraft used in the attack.
According to the Defense Express portal, alongside the employment of the Ch-22 missile, Ukrainian positions were simultaneously targeted by the Russians with dozens of Shahed-136/131 drones. However, the command of the Ukrainian armed forces stressed that all the unmanned aircraft launched were destroyed. Moreover, a Ch-22 missile, which failed to reach its target, was intercepted. Unfortunately, the explosion resulted in damage to several houses due to a shock wave.
Ukraine Targeted Again by Ch-22 Missiles from Tu-22M3 Bomber
The distinguishing feature of the Ch-22 maneuvering missiles is their remarkable speed. After being released from the carrier at a height of several kilometers, it ascends to an altitude of 20 km. Following this, the Ch-22 accelerates to a speed of Mach 3, and when nearing its target, it dives.
The impact occurs at a speed of Mach 4, which combined with a starting mass exceeding 11,000 pounds and a warhead roughly weighing 2200 pounds, results in massive destruction. Furthermore, the scope of a single missile exceeds 311 miles. It's worth noting that the Ukrainians themselves acknowledged the severe threat this weapon poses to their army, expressing concerns about its high-level destructiveness and the difficulties in defending against it.
On the other hand, it is estimated that about 40 examples of the Tu-22M3 bombers, which the Russians utilized for the Ch-22 missile launch, remain in their army. These aircraft were conceived during the Cold War era and were created to carry missiles designed for intercontinental flights.
The Tu-22M3 is fundamentally based on the Tu-22M design which underwent several modifications to counter its predecessor's shortcomings. The bomber is powered by two Kuznetsov NK-25 jet engines which generate a thrust of 2x 140 kN (with 2x 245 kN provided by afterburning). As a result, the machine reaches a peak speed of 1429 mph and a cruise speed of 559 mph when operating at an elevation of 46,000 feet. The varying wingspan of this Tupolev is owed to its variable geometry design; the maximum wingspan being just under 113 ft, and the minimum at 75 ft. This unique wing design allows it to achieve superior cruising speeds and range.
