Tu-22M3 Backfire C 1: 144 Academy 12636

Plastic model airplane for assembly: Tu-22M3 Backfire C 1:144 Academy 12636

Discover the fascinating world of modeling with the Tu-22M3 Backfire C model airplane in 1:144 scale from the renowned company Academy. This precisely crafted assembly kit allows you to recreate one of the most famous strategic bombers from the Cold War era, which remains in service to this day.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:144
• Includes Kh-22 anti-ship missile
• Precisely engraved panel lines

Two marking options:

• Russia, Tu-22M3 "Red 12", 2010
• Ukraine, Tu-22M3 "Rad 44", around 1994

History and significance of Tu-22M3: The Tupolev Tu-22M, known by its NATO code as Backfire, is a supersonic strategic bomber with variable wing geometry, developed by the Tupolev design bureau in the 1960s. This aircraft was a key element of the Soviet Air Forces, serving as a strategic bomber and a maritime carrier of anti-ship missiles.

During the Cold War, the Tu-22M was used by the Soviet Air Forces and the Naval Aviation for long-range missions against maritime targets. Its development was a response to the shortcomings of the earlier Tu-22 model, which proved difficult to pilot and problematic to maintain.

Contemporary use: In 2024, according to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Russia had 57 operational Tu-22M3s, although Ukrainian sources estimated that only 27 of them were fully operational. These aircraft were used in various conflicts, including during the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.