TASS:
The maiden flight of Russia’s upgraded Tupolev Tu-22M3M long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber took place on December 28, Russian aircraft maker, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), announced in a statement.
“The first flight of the deeply modernized strategic bomber Tu-22M3M was held on the aerodrome of the Kazan Aircraft Association Production, Tupolev branch… the flight was at an altitude of 1,500 meters and lasted 37 minutes,” the statement reads.
“All tests concerning the verification of new onboard systems and equipment, installed in the context of extensive modernization, were completed during the flight. The flight team’s data shows that the flight proceeded as planned, systems and equipment were used without issue.”
According to a Russian defense industry source quoted by TASS news agency, the aircraft prototype was unarmed during its debut flight.
