Tupolev Tu-142

2022-05-08T16:39:55Z

2001:A61:402:A301:88C3:E086:4E9:9DF4: robot: import pages using Special:Import

{{Short description|Soviet/Russian maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft}}

{{Good article}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2011}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name = Tu-142
|image = File:Tupolev Tu-95 (6906568850).jpg
|alt= A Tu-142 of the Russian Navy.
|caption = A Tu-142 of the [[Russian Navy]].
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|primary user = [[Russian Navy]]
|more users = [[Soviet Navy]] (historical) [[Indian Naval Air Arm]] (historical)
|type = [[Maritime patrol aircraft|Maritime patrol]] and [[anti-submarine warfare]] aircraft
|design group = [[Tupolev]]
|manufacturer= [[Aviakor|Kuibyshev Aviation Plant]] Taganrog Machinery Plant
|national origin = Soviet Union Russia
|designer =
|first flight = 18 July 1968<ref name=Eden_p488>{{harvnb|Eden|2004|p=488.}}</ref>
|introduced = December 1972<ref name=Eden_p488/>
|retired = 2017 (India)
|status = Out of production, in service
|produced = 1968–1994<ref name=FM_p164>{{harvnb|Friedman|2006|p=164.}}</ref>
|number built = 100<ref name=FM_p164/>
|unit cost =
|developed from = [[Tupolev Tu-95]]
|variants with their own articles =
}}
|}
The '''Tupolev Tu-142''' ({{lang-ru|Туполев Ту-}}142; [[NATO reporting name]]: '''Bear F/J''') is a Soviet/Russian [[Maritime patrol aircraft|maritime reconnaissance]] and [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) aircraft derived from the [[Tupolev Tu-95|Tu-95]] turboprop [[strategic bomber]]. A specialised communications variant designated ''Tu-142MR'' was tasked with long-range [[Communication with submarines|communications duties]] with Soviet [[ballistic missile submarine]]s. The Tu-142 was designed by the [[Tupolev]] design bureau, and manufactured by the [[Aviakor|Kuibyshev Aviation]] and Taganrog Machinery Plants from 1968 to 1994. Formerly operated by the [[Soviet Navy]] and [[Ukrainian Air Force]], the Tu-142 currently serves with the [[Russian Navy]].

Developed in response to the American [[UGM-27 Polaris|Polaris programme]], the Tu-142 grew out of the need for a viable Soviet ASW platform. It succeeded the failed Tu-95PLO project, Tupolev's first attempt at modifying the Tu-95 for maritime use. The Tu-142 differed from the Tu-95 in having a stretched fuselage to accommodate specialised equipment for its ASW and surveillance roles, a reinforced [[Landing gear|undercarriage]] to support rough-field capability, improved [[avionics]] and weapons, and enhancements to general performance. The Tu-142's capability was incrementally improved while the type was in service, eventually resulting in the Tu-142MZ, the final [[Range (aircraft)|long-range]] Tu-142 with highly sophisticated combat [[Avionics#Aircraft avionics|avionics]] and a large [[Payload (air and space craft)|payload]]. Tupolev also converted a number of Tu-142s as avionics (Tu-142MP) and engine (Tu-142LL) testbeds.

==Design and development==

===Early designs===
[[File:Tu-142M-1986-DN-SC-87-03779-front.jpg|thumb|left|The Tu-142M is powered by four 11,033 kW (14,795 shp) [[Kuznetsov NK-12|Kuznetsov NK-12MV]] [[turboprop]]s, which drive huge [[Contra-rotating propellers|contra-rotating]] AV-60N propellers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tupolev Tu-142M|publisher=Bharat-rakshak.com|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Aviation/Aircraft/119-Tupolev-Tu142 m.html|access-date=26 September 2011|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214247/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Aviation/Aircraft/119-Tupolev-Tu142%C2%A0m.html|url-status=live}}</ref>|alt=Sideview of aircraft in-flight powered by turboprops, whose huge propellers are apparent.]]
In the late 1950s the [[United States Navy|US Navy]] developed the [[UGM-27 Polaris]], a [[submarine-launched ballistic missile]] (SLBM) with a range of more of than {{nowrap|1,800 kilometres}} ({{nowrap|1,000 nm}}).<ref>{{harvnb|Spinardi|1994|pp=35, 57.}}</ref> They had test-fired [[Booster (rocketry)|rocket boosters]] to perfect the design, culminating in the first underwater launch of a [[ballistic missile]] by [[USS George Washington (SSBN-598)|USS ''George Washington'']] on {{nowrap|20 July 1960}}. Polaris became operational on {{nowrap|15 November}} that year, when the ''George Washington'' left [[Charleston, South Carolina|Charleston]], [[South Carolina]], with a complement of nuclear-armed Polaris missiles.<ref>{{harvnb|Spinardi|1994|pp=57–58.}}</ref>

The [[Government of the Soviet Union|Soviet government]] consequently ordered [[Tupolev]] and other aircraft [[OKB|design bureaus]] to study possible dedicated [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) designs. Tupolev initially designed the ''Tu-95PLO'' (''protivolodochnaya oborona'', or ASW), a development of the Tu-95 equipped with [[sonobuoy]]s, [[Naval mine|anti-submarine mines]] and [[torpedo]]es. It was to carry a {{nowrap|9,000 kg}} ({{nowrap|19,841 lb}}) payload with a maximum loiter time of {{nowrap|10.5 hours}}.<ref name=B&D_p41>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=41.}}</ref> The design was dropped, however, because it lacked a powerful [[radar]], [[Thermographic camera|thermal imaging (infrared) system]] and [[magnetic anomaly detector]] (MAD).<ref name=B&D_p41/> On {{nowrap|28 February 1963}}, the [[Council of Ministers (Soviet Union)|Council of Ministers]] (the highest executive and administrative body of the Soviet Union) issued a directive to Tupolev requiring his bureau to develop a long-range ASW aircraft.<ref name=G&D_p42>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=42.}}</ref>

The resultant design was named Tu-142 and had features in common with the Tu-95RT. The ventral and dorsal [[gun turret]]s were removed, as was the large [[dielectric]] [[radome]] housing the Uspeh radar system, which was replaced by a thermal imaging system located in a smaller fairing.<ref name=Eden_p488/> This left the tail turret with twin 23-mm [[Afanasev Makarov AM-23|AM-23]] cannons, along with [[electronic countermeasure]]s, as the only defensive armament.<ref>{{harvnb|Gordon|Miller|Rigmant|1998|pp=42, 67.}}</ref> The aircraft's search-and-targeting system featured ''Berkut'' (Golden Eagle) {{nowrap|360° [[radar]]}}.<ref name=G&D_p42/> A complex [[navigation system]] was integrated with the [[Fire-control system|weapons targeting system]].<ref name=G&D_p42/> Structural differences included an [[airfoil]] change to the wing, expanding its area to {{nowrap|295 m2}} ({{nowrap|3,172 ft2}}). The area of the [[Elevator (aeronautics)|elevator]]s was increased by 14%, and improved [[Hydraulic cylinder|hydraulic actuators]] were fitted. Metal [[fuel tank]]s replaced rubber bladders. To allow the Tu-142 to operate from semi-prepared runways, the Tu-95's four-wheel main [[Landing gear|undercarriage]] bogies were replaced with 12-wheel units; the main undercarriage fairings were also modified.<ref name=GMR_p53>{{harvnb|Gordon|Miller|Rigmant|1998|p=53.}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|pp=42–43.}}</ref>

The first Tu-142 (construction number 4200) was built at the {{nowrap|[[Aviakor|Kuibyshev Aviation Plant]]}} in [[Samara, Russia|Samara]]. It performed its [[maiden flight|first flight]] on {{nowrap|18 June 1968}}, with [[test pilot]] {{nowrap|I. K. Vedernikov}} at the controls, taking off from [[Ramenskoye Airport|Zhukovsky Airfield]] southeast of [[Moscow]].<ref name=GMR_p53/><ref name=G&D_p44>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=44.}}</ref> Early testing indicated that the [[fuselage]] needed to be lengthened by at least {{nowrap|1.5 m}} {{nowrap|(4.9 ft)}} to accommodate new combat equipment. Therefore, the second prototype (c/n 4201) joined the [[Flight test|flight-test programme]] on 3 September with a {{nowrap|1.7-metre}} {{nowrap|(5.6 ft)}} front fuselage stretch, a modification found on all subsequent Tu-142s.<ref name=G&D_p44/> The third and final development Tu-142 entered flight test on {{nowrap|31 October}}, complete with the full equipment suite.<ref>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|pp=44–45.}}</ref> In May 1970, the [[Soviet Naval Aviation]] (AV-MF) – the air arm of the [[Soviet Navy]] – began receiving production Tu-142s for operational trials.<ref name=G&D_p45>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=45.}}</ref>

===Improved variants===
{| class="wikitable" align="right"
|+ Tu-142 designations
! Production || Factory !! AM-VF !! NATO
|-
| approx. 12 {{dagger}} ||Tu-142 || Tu-142 || "Bear F"
|-
| 6 {{dagger}} || Tu-142 || Tu-142 || "Bear F" Mod. 1
|-
| N/A {{Double-dagger}} || Tu-142M || Tu-142 || "Bear F" Mod. 2
|-
| approx. 43 {{Double-dagger}} || Tu-142MK || Tu-142M || "Bear F" Mod. 3
|-
| N/A {{Double-dagger}} || Tu-142MZ || Tu-142MZ || "Bear F" Mod. 4
|-
| N/A {{Double-dagger}} || Tu-142MR || Tu-142MR || "Bear J"
|-
| colspan="4" | {{dagger}}: Produced in Kuibyshev, {{Double-dagger}}: Produced in Taganrog
|-
|}
During early operations, the Tu-142 revealed several shortcomings. The aircraft's rough-field capability was found to be of limited use, so the 12-wheel bogies used on the first 12 of 36 aircraft were replaced with four-wheel reinforced bogies from the [[Tupolev Tu-114|Tu-114]] [[airliner]]; consequently, the wheel-wells in the [[Nacelle|engine nacelle]] were made slimmer.<ref name=G&D_p46>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=46.}}</ref> These changes, along with the deletion of the thermal imaging system and parts of the [[electronic countermeasure]] (ECM) equipment, reduced the empty weight by {{nowrap|4,000 kg}} {{nowrap|(8,818 lb)}}.<ref name=G&D_p46/> The modified aircraft also introduced a crew rest area for long-duration missions, and was assigned the codename ("Bear F" Mod 1); from 1968 to 1972 the Kuibyshev Plant produced a total of 18 Tu-142s.<ref name=Eden_p488/><ref name=G&D_p46/><ref name=GMR_p55>{{harvnb|Gordon|Miller|Rigmant|1998|p=55.}}</ref>

In the early 1970s, production of Tu-142s was switched to the {{nowrap|Taganrog Machinery Plant}} near the [[Black Sea]]. It has been speculated that the change to the idle plant was to give employment to the workers there.<ref name=GMR_p55/> The move required many improvements to the plant and the surrounding area, including the establishment of new assembly shops, the installation of new machinery and tooling, the re-training of the workforce, and the building of a new airfield.<ref name=GMR_p55/> Preparation took place until 1975, when production of the first Tu-142 began.<ref name=GMR_p55/> The Tu-142s built by Taganrog incorporated the changes found on the last of the Kuibyshev aircraft. Differences included a {{nowrap|30-centimetre}} {{nowrap|(12 in)}} stretch to the front fuselage and a redesigned [[cockpit]]. Additional changes included new two-axle main undercarriage bogies. This version was given the factory designation ''Tu-142M'', which was not adopted by the Soviet Navy; NATO codenamed it "Bear-F" Mod 2.<ref name=GMR_p55/><ref name=G&D_p47>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=47.}}</ref>

[[File:Tu-142M&P-3C-Orion-1986-DN-SC-87-00265.jpg|thumb|A Soviet Tu-142MK (with aft-facing fin-top fairing and smooth nose contour) being escorted by a US Navy [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|Lockheed P-3]] from VP-45 (March 1986)|alt=Two aircraft in-flight. One a twin-prop aircraft in the foreground, another is a larger four-prop aircraft with swept-back wings.]]

As the 1970s progressed, silencing technology in submarines rendered acoustic-band sonobuoys and trigger devices ineffective. During 1961 and 1962, the Soviet Union conducted [[research and development]] into an explosive sound system (ESS) – used to locate deep-diving submarines – under the name ''Udar'' (Blow). In 1965, work had started on sonobuoy systems using ESS to be integrated with the ''Berkut'' radar. The programme was postponed when one of the aircraft intended to carry it, the [[Ilyushin Il-38]], was found to be incompatible.<ref>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|pp=48–49.}}</ref> The developments instead resulted in the ''Udar-75'', which was featured in a new search and targeting system (STS) of the Taganrog-built Tu-142Ms.<ref name=G&D_p49>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=49.}}</ref>

A new target acquisition system dubbed ''Korshun-K'', the cornerstone of which was the ''Korshun'' ([[Kite (bird)|Kite]]) radar, was installed on all subsequent Tu-142s. This system was used for detecting surfaced and submerged submarines, communicating with other ASW aircraft and ground bases, and performing navigational and tactical tasks.<ref name=GMR_p58>{{harvnb|Gordon|Miller|Rigmant|1998|p=58.}}</ref> The first three Tu-142Ms were the first aircraft to be equipped with this system, and thus were redesignated ''Tu-142MK'' {{nowrap|("Bear F" Mod. 3)}}. It was the first Tu-142 to feature a MAD, its MMS-106 Ladoga system being mounted in an aft-facing fairing atop the [[Vertical stabilizer|vertical stabiliser]].<ref name=GMR_p58/> The first of three Tu-142MKs that underwent {{nowrap|Stage A}} of the trials programme made its first flight on {{nowrap|4 November 1975}}; despite the dismal performance figures, a production go-ahead was given.<ref name=GMR_p58/> {{nowrap|Stage B}}, conducted during {{nowrap|April–October 1978}}, found that the aircraft's avionics were extremely unreliable; like {{nowrap|Stage A}}, these problems were apparently ignored when a directive issued on {{Nowrap|19 November 1980}} cleared the Tu-142MK for operational service.<ref name=GMR_p57>{{harvnb|Gordon|Miller|Rigmant|1998|=57.}}</ref>

===Technological upgrades===
[[File:Tu-142MR-1990.jpg|thumb|A Tu-142MR in-flight|left|alt=Top perpendicular starboard view of four-engine propeller-driven aircraft in-flight. The pale gray/white aircraft is flying above almost white terrain.]]
Even as the Tu-142MK entered service, its ''Korshun-K'' STS was already becoming obsolete. Work began on yet another improved Tu-142, resulting in the Tu-142MZ {{nowrap|("Bear F" Mod. 4)}} with the ''Korshun-KN-N'' STS. This consisted of ''Nashatyr-Nefrit'' (Ammonia/Jade) ASW avionics, which included the ''Zarechye'' sonar system.<ref name=Eden_p489>{{harvnb|Eden|2004|p=489.}}</ref> As well as the RGB-1A and RGB-2 buoys of the ''Berkut'', the Tu-142MZ was compatible with the RGB-16 and RGB-26 buoys. When working with the ASW avionics, these buoys provided 50% greater coverage.<ref name=Eden_p489/> The [[Kuznetsov NK-12|Kuznetsov NK-12MV]] were replaced by the more-powerful NK-12MP engines, and for the first time, the Tu-142 had an independent engine-starting capability with the addition of the TA-12 [[auxiliary power unit]].<ref name=G&D_p53>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=53.}}</ref> This variant was distinguished from earlier "Bear Fs" by the chin fairings housing several antennas.<ref name=G&D_p53/>

The flight test programme started in 1985 with the maiden flight of a converted Tu-142M fitted with the advanced avionics; state acceptance trials began within two years.<ref name=GMR_p62>{{harvnb|Gordon|Miller|Rigmant|1998|p=62}}</ref> Test results proved excellent, as the aircraft successfully tracked nuclear-powered submarines of the [[Northern Fleet|Northern]] and [[Pacific Fleet (Russia)|Pacific Fleet]]s.<ref name=GMR_p62/> The aircraft became operational with [[Russian Naval Aviation]] (AV-MP) in 1993. The last Tu-142MZ rolled off the Taganrog production line the following year, bringing an end to a 26-year production run during which 100 Tu-142s were produced.<ref name=FM_p164/><ref name=GMR_p62/>

A communications variant designated ''Tu-142MR'' ("Bear J") was the last production version of the Tu-142. It was tasked with long-range [[Communication with submarines|communications duties]] with Soviet [[ballistic missile submarine]]s, a role similar to that of the [[Boeing E-6 Mercury]]. The Tu-142MR differed from the ASW Tu-142s in having less-sophisticated avionics, but had a long trailing wire [[Antenna (radio)|radio aerial]] to relay messages to submerged Soviet submarines in times of [[Nuclear warfare|nuclear war]]. This was among the many distinctive features of the Tu-142MR that allows it to communicate with [[satellite]]s, airborne and ground-based [[Command and control|command posts]], and submarines.<ref name=GMR_p63>{{harvnb|Gordon|Miller|Rigmant|1998|p=63.}}</ref><ref name=G&D_p54>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=54.}}</ref> The aircraft replaced the [[Ilyushin Il-80]] in the airborne [[command and control]] role. Tu-142s are currently operated by the 76th Naval Aviation Regiment from [[Fedotovo (air base)|Kipelovo]].<ref name=G&D_p54/> Other developments of the Tu-142 include the one-off Tu-142MRT maritime reconnaissance variant, and the unbuilt Tu-142MS [[missile]]-carrying variant.<ref>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|pp=55, 57–58.}}</ref> Russian maritime patrol aircraft (MPAs) Tupolev Tu-142MZ/MR ('Bear F/J') of the Northern Fleet are being equipped with datalinks to enable them to receive targeting feeds from Russian Naval Aviation Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Forpost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/91852/russia-links-maritime-patrol-aircraft-to-uav|title=Janes | Latest defence and security news|access-date=2019-10-13|archive-date=2019-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012111537/https://www.janes.com/article/91852/russia-links-maritime-patrol-aircraft-to-uav|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Tupolev Tu142MZ bn59 2019.jpg|thumb|right|A Tu-142MZ approaching [[Vladivostok International Airport]] (2019)]]

==Operational history==
[[File:Tu-142M-1986-DN-SC-87-03776-DPLS.jpg|thumb|A Soviet Tu-142M flying above the clouds (1986)|alt=A four-engine prop-driven aircraft flying above white clouds]]
To prepare for Tu-142 operations, on {{nowrap|22 June 1960}} the Soviet Navy began selecting personnel for conversion training.<ref name=GMR_p55/> The first group began its three-month training period on {{nowrap|4 March 1970}} at the seaside town of [[Mykolaiv|Nikolayev]] (since renamed Mykolaiv).<ref name=GMR_p55/> Meanwhile, the first Tu-142s were delivered to the Northern Fleet at Kipelovo AB, where they were initially tasked with tracking and monitoring [[Nuclear submarine|nuclear-powered submarines]] as part of the type's operational trials. Throughout the test programme, effort focused on the verification of the ASW avionics, notably the ''Berkut-95'' radar, as the airframe itself was not a major concern.<ref name=GMR_p54>{{harvnb|Gordon|Miller|Rigmant|1998|p=54.}}</ref> The Tu-142 reached [[Initial operating capability|initial operational capability]] in {{nowrap|December 1972}} after a successful flight-test programme.<ref name=Eden_p488/> Prior to that, in {{nowrap|December 1971}}, the second group selected for Tu-142 operations started its own conversion training.<ref name=GMR_p55/> Deliveries of the aircraft at first proceeded slowly; as more Tu-142s were produced, the type was allocated to the [[Pacific Fleet (Russia)|Pacific Fleet]].<ref name=G&D_p46/>

[[File:IAF Tu-142 and Il-38.jpg|thumb|left|A Tu-142MK-E and an [[Ilyushin Il-38|Ilyushin Il-38 "May"]] of the [[Indian Naval Air Arm]] seen at [[INS Hansa]], [[Goa]] (2006)|alt=Two four-engine propeller-driven aircraft on ramp facing right of screen. The large aircraft in the midground, which is slightly off-centered, has swept-back wings and is painted in a pale grey paint scheme. The other in the background is a straight-wing aircraft painted in pale green]]
Throughout its operational history, the Tu-142 demonstrated significant capabilities. On {{nowrap|19–22 August 1974}}, four Tu-142s shadowed a foreign submarine in the [[Barents Sea]]; one of the aircraft was reported to have maintained continuous contact for 2 hours and 55 minutes.<ref name=FM_p163>{{harvnb|Friedman|2006|p=163.}}</ref> In 1975, a Tu-142 managed to trail a Soviet submarine for 3 hours and 16 minutes.<ref name=FM_p163/> On {{nowrap|10 October 1977}}, a group of five Tu-142s tracked a US submarine in the [[Philippine Sea]]; one of the Tu-142s reportedly trailed the submarine for 4 hours and 5 minutes.<ref name=FM_p163/> Soviet Tu-142s, besides operating domestically, were sent to friendly overseas bases in [[Angola]], [[Cuba]], [[Ethiopia]], [[Vietnam]], and [[Yemen]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Military Aircraft of the World|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%200814.html|work=[[Flight International]]|date=7 May 1983|page=1,256|access-date=23 September 2011|archive-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603072336/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%200814.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the early 1990s, with the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]], the Soviet fleet of Tu-142s was handed to the [[Russian Navy]], although the [[Ukrainian Air Force]] gained a few Tu-142s that had been left in its territory.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Picture of the Tupolev Tu-142M3 aircraft|publisher=Airliners.net|url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Ukraine---Air/Tupolev-Tu-142M3/1086774/M/|access-date=23 September 2011|archive-date=14 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614031534/http://www.airliners.net/photo/Ukraine---Air/Tupolev-Tu-142M3/1086774/M|url-status=live}}</ref> Ukrainian Tu-142s were later dismantled as a result of the bilateral [[START I]] treaty signed between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1991, which came into effect in late 1994.<ref name=Ukrainian_Tu-142>{{Cite news|title=Ukraine dismantles Tu-142 aircraft|date=26 July 2004|work=[[Ukrayinska Pravda]]|url=http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/26-07-2004/58417-0/|access-date=26 September 2011|archive-date=21 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821104651/http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/26-07-2004/58417-0/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Besides the Tu-142's military applications, a one-off Tu-142MP was used to test a new ASW suite.<ref name=GMR_p62/> Another Tu-142 was converted to replace the Tu-95LL for the testing of [[turbojet]] [[Aircraft engine|engines]]. Designated ''Tu-142LL'', the ASW equipment and armament were removed to allow an engine test bed to be carried under the belly. Some of the engines installed were the NK-25 for the [[Tupolev Tu-22M|Tu-22MZ]], RD36-51A for the [[Tupolev Tu-144|Tu-144D]], and the NK-32 for the [[Tupolev Tu-160|Tu-160]].<ref name=GMR_p64>{{harvnb|Gordon|Miller|Rigmant|1998|p=64.}}</ref> The first Tu-142MK was converted for an airborne laboratory role, setting several altitude-in-horizontal and time-to-climb records in its class.<ref name=GMR_p64/>

In 1981 the [[Indian Navy]] began considering a long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft for its [[Indian Naval Air Arm|Naval Air Arm]]. The Soviet Union initially offered to refurbish some of its own Tu-142s for India, rather than construct new aircraft.<ref name=INAA>{{Cite web|title=The Naval Air Arm|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/t2t2e/trans2emins/14_naval_air.htm|work=Indian Navy|access-date=23 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113050528/http://indiannavy.nic.in/t2t2e/trans2emins/14_naval_air.htm|archive-date=13 January 2012}}</ref> The Indian Navy was at first hesitant about the large Tu-142, which was heavy and thus would require runways to be reinforced and lengthened at potential operating bases.<ref name=INAA/> Consequently, the service requested three [[Ilyushin Il-38]]s – then being phased out of service with the Soviet Navy – be refurbished for Indian operations. This request fell through, and so in {{nowrap|December 1984}} an agreement to purchase eight Tu-142s was signed.<ref name=INAA/>

For the twelve-month period starting from {{nowrap|May 1987}}, the Indian Navy sent 40 pilots and observers, 16 technical officers and 128 sailors to [[Riga]] for training.<ref name=INAA/> On {{nowrap|30 March 1988}}, the first three Tu-142s arrived at the Indian [[naval air station]] of [[INS Hansa]], [[Goa]], after a flight from [[Simferopol]] (Gvardeyskoye Air Base) in the [[Crimea|Crimean peninsula]]. On {{nowrap|13 April}} two more aircraft arrived, prior to the commissioning of [[INAS 312]], the operator of Indian Tu-142s; by the end of October the fleet of eight Tu-142s was delivered.<ref name=INAA/> In {{nowrap|May 1992}}, the squadron was relocated to its current operating base at [[INS Rajali]] on the Indian east coast.<ref name=INAA/> The Tu-142s were replaced by twelve smaller [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|Boeing P-8Is]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hoyle|first=Craig|title=PICTURE: India's first 737-based P-8I nears flight debut|work=[[Flight International]]|date=21 September 2011|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-indias-first-737-based-p-8i-nears-flight-debut-362335/|access-date=28 September 2011|archive-date=26 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926163019/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-indias-first-737-based-p-8i-nears-flight-debut-362335/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=wsj-20110331>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703712504576234453144383930 | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Nikhil | last=Gulati | title=India Orders More Boeing Maritime Planes | date=31 March 2011 | access-date=16 October 2011 | archive-date=24 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924113824/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703712504576234453144383930 | url-status=live }}</ref> The Indian Navy retired the last three operational aircraft on 29 March 2017.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-poised-to-retire-iconic-tu-142-fleet-435048/ India poised to retire iconic Tu-142 fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925132542/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-poised-to-retire-iconic-tu-142-fleet-435048/ |date=2017-09-25 }} – Flightglobal.com, 10 March 2017</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-navy-to-de-induct-long-range-patrol-aircraft-tu-142m-after-29-years-of-service/articleshow/57838532.cms|title=Indian Navy to de-induct long-range patrol aircraft TU 142M after 29 years of service|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2017-03-29|archive-date=2017-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609014541/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-navy-to-de-induct-long-range-patrol-aircraft-tu-142m-after-29-years-of-service/articleshow/57838532.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, 2 Tupolev Tu-142s were intercepted by RAF Typhoons near British Airspace.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL94g6AmiBY |title=RAF Typhoons Scrambled to Intercept Russian Bombers Near UK Airspace – YouTube |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=2021-04-05 |archive-date=2021-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211120923/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL94g6AmiBY |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Туполев Ту-142, Луганск - Острая Могила RP57975.jpg|right|thumb|The 12-wheel undercarriage of the early Tu-142 aircraft built at the Kuibyshev Aviation Plant (2011)]]
;Tu-142: A lengthened Tu-95 with much defensive armament removed, and instead incorporating ASW systems. Twelve aircraft initially had 12-wheel main undercarriage bogies. Six later aircraft had four-wheel bogies. Built by [[Aviakor|Kuibyshev Aviation Plant]].<ref name=Gor_p5>{{harvnb|Gordon|2005|p=5.}}</ref>

;Tu-142M: A 30-centimetre (12 in) stretch to front fuselage, redesigned cockpit and two-axle main undercarriage bogies. Built by Taganrog.<ref name=G&D_p47/>

;Tu-142MK: Greatly improved variant with new ''Korshun'' radar, avionics and ASW equipment. 43 Tu-142MKs were constructed by Taganrog.<ref>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|pp=47, 49–51.}}</ref>

;Tu-142MK-E: Eight downgraded Tu-142MKs purchased by the Indian Naval Air Arm. ''E'' stands for "export".<ref>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=51.}}</ref>

;Tu-142MZ: The last production variant of the "Bear F", with new NK-12MP engines and a new avionics suite. Can be distinguished from other Tu-142s by its chin fairings. Built by Taganrog.<ref name=Gor_p5/>

;Tu-142MZ-K: Proposed commercial cargo variant of the Tu-142M3 (the ''K'' standing for "kommercheskiy"), with ASW avionics removed. Also designated ''Tu-142M3-C''.<ref name=GMR_p62/>

;Tu-142MP: Modified single Tu-142M used as avionics testbed.<ref name=G&D_p54/>

;Tu-142MR: Modified Tu-142MKs built as submarine communications relay aircraft. Has distinctive external fairings and components. NATO codename "Bear J".<ref name=G&D_p54/>

;Tu-142LL: Two converted earlier Tu-142s used for testing of turbofan engines. ASW equipment was removed.<ref>{{harvnb|Gordon|Davison|2006|pp=56–57.}}</ref>

==Operators==
;{{RUS}}
* [[Russian Naval Aviation]] – 22 Tu-142MZ/MR/MK in service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/november-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6682-beriev-plant-hands-over-another-upgraded-tu-142mk-to-russian-navy.html|title=Beriev plant hands over another upgraded Tu-142MK to Russian Navy|website=navyrecognition.com|date=21 November 2018|access-date=17 December 2018|archive-date=21 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121161754/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/november-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6682-beriev-plant-hands-over-another-upgraded-tu-142mk-to-russian-navy.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Russian Navy plans to upgrade the Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft with installation of the [[SVP-24]] bombing system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/august-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6461-russian-navy-to-upgrade-tu-142-mpa-with-svp-24-targeting-system.html|title=Russian Navy to Upgrade Tu-142 MPA with SVP-24 Targeting System|website=navyrecognition.com|date=27 August 2018|access-date=17 December 2018|archive-date=18 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190118222227/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/august-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6461-russian-navy-to-upgrade-tu-142-mpa-with-svp-24-targeting-system.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
** 7062nd Port-Arthur Krasnoznamennaya Naval Aviation Air Base – [[Kamenny Ruchey]], [[Khabarovsk Krai]]
*** 568th Composite Aviation Regiment<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/04/russia-conducts-anti-submarine-warfare-exercise-in-asia/|title=Russia Conducts Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise in Asia|access-date=2020-11-30|archive-date=2020-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112041212/https://thediplomat.com/2017/04/russia-conducts-anti-submarine-warfare-exercise-in-asia/|url-status=live}}</ref>
** 2nd Guards Aviation Group – [[Fedotovo (air base)]], [[Vologda Oblast]]
*** 403rd Composite Aviation Regiment

===Former operators===
;{{USSR}}
* [[Soviet Air Forces]] – aircraft were transferred to the Russian Naval Aviation after the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]]. Some remained at the territory of Ukraine.
** 35th Long-Range Anti-Submarine Aviation Division – Fedotovo (air base), Vologda Oblast, [[Russian SFSR]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/35pladdd.htm|title=35th Long-Range Anti-Submarine Aviation Division|website=ww2.dk|access-date=20 January 2019|archive-date=18 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190118131544/http://ww2.dk/new/navy/35pladdd.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
*** 76th Long-Range Anti-Submarine Aviation Regiment
*** 135th Long-Range Anti-Submarine Aviation Regiment
** 310th independent Long-Range Anti-Submarine Aviation Regiment – Kamenny Ruchey, Khabarovsk Krai, Russian SFSR<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/310oplapdd.htm|title=310th independent Long-Range Anti-Submarine Aviation Regiment|website=ww2.dk|access-date=20 January 2019|archive-date=14 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114190440/http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/310oplapdd.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{UKR}}
* [[Mykolaiv Aircraft Repair Plant]] – there were no aviation regiments equipped with Tu-142s in the [[Ukrainian SSR]], but unknown number of Tu-142s were left at the Mykolaiv Aircraft Repair Plant following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Mykolaiv Aircraft Repair Plant was providing repairs for number types of Soviet aircraft including the Tu-142. Some aircraft later returned to their permanent bases in Russia, the remaining were dismantled in accordance with the [[START I]] agreement.<ref name=Ukrainian_Tu-142/>
* 1 Tu-142MZ in the [[Ukraine State Aviation Museum]].
* 1 Tu-142 in the [[Aviation Technical Museum (Luhansk)]].
;{{IND}}
* [[Indian Naval Air Arm]] – operated 8 former Soviet Tu-142MK-E aircraft from March 1988 to March 2017 (29 years). The aircraft were retired on 27 March 2017 during a ceremony held at the INS Rajali air base. They were replaced with the [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon]] aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-navy-bids-farewell-to-tu-142m-aircraft-after-29-years-of-service/story-lShEXj1Khjh23nHVqrnb3H.html|title=Indian Navy bids farewell to TU-142M aircraft after 29 years of service|website=hindustantimes.com|date=30 March 2017|access-date=20 January 2019|archive-date=21 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064338/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-navy-bids-farewell-to-tu-142m-aircraft-after-29-years-of-service/story-lShEXj1Khjh23nHVqrnb3H.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=160149|title=De-Induction Of Indian Navy's TU142M Aircraft and Induction of Boeing P 8 I Into INAS 312|website=[[Press Information Bureau]]|date=29 March 2017|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-date=25 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825110356/http://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=160149|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/india/after-ins-viraat-indian-navys-patrol-aircraft-albatross-to-be-decommissioned_1984342.html|title=After INS Viraat, Indian Navy's patrol aircraft 'Albatross' to be decommissioned|website=zeenews.india.com|date=7 March 2017|access-date=8 March 2017|archive-date=7 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307184948/http://zeenews.india.com/india/after-ins-viraat-indian-navys-patrol-aircraft-albatross-to-be-decommissioned_1984342.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[INAS 312]] – [[INS Rajali]], [[Tamil Nadu]]
* 1 Tu-142M is preserved as a museum for public access opposite to the [[INS Kursura (S20)]] museum on the [[Beach Road, Visakhapatnam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/tu-142m-aircraft-museum-visakhapatnam|title=TU 142M Aircraft Museum at Visakhapatnam|website=[[Indian Navy]]|access-date=20 January 2019|archive-date=14 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914213752/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/tu-142m-aircraft-museum-visakhapatnam|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1 Tu-142MK-E is preserved as a museum for public access in the Neval Aircraft Museum, New Town Kolkata.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/bengal/indian-navy-aircraft-arrives-city-soon-put-naval-museum-1502856886.html|title=Indian Navy aircraft arrives in city, to be soon put up at naval museum|website=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]]|date=17 February 2020|access-date=6 September 2021|archive-date=2 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802062451/https://www.thestatesman.com/bengal/indian-navy-aircraft-arrives-city-soon-put-naval-museum-1502856886.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notable accidents==
On {{nowrap|7 November 2009}}, eleven crew were killed when their Tu-142 crashed on the Northwest Pacific coast of Russia over the [[Strait of Tartary]] between the island of [[Sakhalin]] and [[Khabarovsk Krai|Khabarovsk]] region during a training flight. Flights of aircraft belonging to the [[Pacific Fleet (Russia)|Pacific Fleet]] were suspended pending an investigation into the crash.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russian army plane crashes in sea|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8347913.stm|work=BBC News|date=7 November 2009|access-date=23 September 2011|archive-date=20 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420234724/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8347913.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> There was no indication that the crew made use of emergency equipment, although a [[Lifeboat (rescue)|lifeboat]] on board the plane was fitted with a device that transmits a signal in the event of an accident.<ref>{{cite news|title=Crew of crashed Russian Tu-142 did not use life raft|url=http://en.rian.ru/russia/20091107/156744507.html|work=[[RIA Novosti]]|date=7 November 2009|access-date=23 September 2011|archive-date=6 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606100108/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20091107/156744507.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chief of the General Staff (Russia)|Chief of the General Staff]] [[Nikolay Yegorovich Makarov|Nikolay Makarov]] believed an engine failure could have caused the crash.<ref>{{cite news|title=Engine failure could be responsible for Tu-142 crash|url=http://en.rian.ru/crime/20091111/156791003.html|work=[[RIA Novosti]]|date=11 November 2009|access-date=23 September 2011|archive-date=6 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606100133/http://en.rian.ru/crime/20091111/156791003.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A memorial service was held for the crew on {{nowrap|16 December 2009}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russia's Pacific Fleet mourns crew killed in Tu-142 plane crash on November 6, 2009|url=http://visualrian.ru/en/site/gallery/#531240/context%5Bq%5D=prayer&context%5Bfield%5D=keyword|work=[[RIA Novosti]]|date=16 December 2009|access-date=23 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811235857/http://visualrian.ru/en/site/gallery#531240/context%5Bq%5D=prayer&context%5Bfield%5D=keyword|archive-date=11 August 2013}}</ref> A search for the bodies of the eleven crew members was suspended several times due to [[Sea ice|ice floes]] and bad weather.

==Specifications (Tu-142MZ)==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Donald and Lake<ref>{{harvnb|Donald|Lake|2000|p=426.}}</ref>
|prime units?=met

|crew=11–13
|length m=53.08
|length note=
|span m=50
|span note=
|height m=12.12
|height note=
|wing area sqm=311.1
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=
|airfoil=TsAGI SR-5S<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-date=26 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|empty weight kg=90000
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=185000
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=

|eng1 number=4
|eng1 name=[[Kuznetsov NK-12MP]]
|eng1 type=[[turboprop]] engines
|eng1 shp=14795
|eng1 note=

|prop blade number=8
|prop name=contra-rotating constant-speed propellers
|prop dia m=
|prop dia note=

|max speed kmh=925
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=
|cruise speed kmh=711
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=
|range note=
|combat range km=6500
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=
|ceiling m=12000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=
|roll rate=
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|more performance=

|armament=
|guns=
|bombs=
|rockets=
|missiles=
|hardpoints=
|hardpoint capacity=
|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=

|avionics=
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
* {{Cite book|author1=Donald, David|author2=Lake, Jon|title=The Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft|location=New York|publisher=Barnes & Noble|year=2000|isbn=0-7607-2208-0|ref={{harvid|Donald|Lake|2000}}}}
* {{Cite book|editor-last=Eden|editor-first=Paul|title=The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft|publisher=Amber Books|location=London|year=2004|isbn=1-904687-84-9}}
*{{Cite book|author=Friedman, Norman|title=The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis, Maryland|year=2006|isbn=978-1-55750-262-9|ref={{harvid|Friedman|2006}}}}
*{{Cite book|author=Gordon, Yefim|title=Tupolev Tu-95/-142|publisher=Specialty Press|location=North Branch, Minnesota|year=2005|isbn=978-1-932525-00-7|ref={{harvid|Gordon|2005}}}}
*{{Cite book|author1=Gordon, Yefim|author2=Davison, Peter|title=Tupolev Tu-95 Bear|series=Warbird Tech|volume=43|publisher=Specialty Press|location=North Branch, Minnesota|year=2006|isbn=978-1-58007-102-4|ref={{harvid|Gordon|Davison|2006}}}}
*{{Cite book|author1=Gordon, Yefim|author2=Miller, Jay|author3=Rigmant, Vladimir|title=Tupolev Tu-95/-142 "Bear": Russia's Intercontinental-range Heavy Bomber|series=Aerofax|publisher=Midland Publishing|location=Hinckley, UK|year=1998|isbn= 978-1-85780-046-3|ref={{harvid|Gordon|Miller|Rigmant|1998}}}}
* {{Cite book|author=Spinardi, Graham|title=From Polaris to Trident: the Development of US Fleet Ballistic Missile Technology|location=Cambridge, UK|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1994|isbn=978-0-521-41357-2|ref={{harvid|Spinardi|1994}}}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Tupolev Tu-142}}
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/tu-142.htm Tu-142 Bear] at GlobalSecurity.org
*[http://www.airwar.ru/enc/sea/tu142.html Тu-142] at Airwar.ru {{in lang|ru}}

{{Tupolev aircraft}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Aircraft with contra-rotating propellers]]
[[Category:1960s Soviet patrol aircraft]]
[[Category:Tupolev aircraft|Tu-0142]]
[[Category:Four-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Four-engined turboprop aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1968]]

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Tupolev Tu-142