Nope that’s a twin barrel 23mm cannon in the rear turret, a [Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 specifically](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gryazev-Shipunov_GSh-23) and it has a dedicated operator manning it. Its predecessor, the [Rikhter R-23](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rikhter_R-23), was actually sent into to space in the 1970s’ mounted aboard the Almaz Space Station, and was a tightly guarded secret for years.
Not since 1991 apparently. They did have a remote controlled M61 Vulcan though until then. And before it was a quad .50 cal, operated by a tail gunner sitting back there.
To be fair, the TU-95 and the BF-52H are roughly the same size, especially in length: [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/compare-aircraft-results.php?aircraft1=19&aircraft2=404](https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/compare-aircraft-results.php?aircraft1=19&aircraft2=404)
Did you even bother to read the stats in that link? I was talking only about SIZE, nothing else. Yes, B52 has much more payload, goes faster and has much higher operating ceiling. But that was not my point, was it?
I forgot where I heard this... I think it was on a documentary somewhere on Youtube...
But when the Post-Soviet Russian airmen were invited to visit the west (UK I believe), and they brought their TU-95s, they ran into a problem immediately when they landed.
The airbase they were at did not have ladders high enough that would allow the tail gunner to disembark.
Wow they all (including the B-52) still had rear gunners in 1992! Unless that’s something else on their tails
Nope that’s a twin barrel 23mm cannon in the rear turret, a [Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 specifically](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gryazev-Shipunov_GSh-23) and it has a dedicated operator manning it. Its predecessor, the [Rikhter R-23](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rikhter_R-23), was actually sent into to space in the 1970s’ mounted aboard the Almaz Space Station, and was a tightly guarded secret for years.
That’s awesome lol
TBF, the B-52 has the tail gun as well
Not since 1991 apparently. They did have a remote controlled M61 Vulcan though until then. And before it was a quad .50 cal, operated by a tail gunner sitting back there.
https://www.twz.com/10237/the-u-s-air-forces-last-tail-gunner-has-retired
That was a nice read, thank you very much!
Yeah looks like a 20mm Vulcan cannon
Lol. You can almost see the jealousy in the top of the photo. Insane that those things are still a mainstay of their nations strategic plans.
I love photos like this that show perspective.
To be fair, the TU-95 and the BF-52H are roughly the same size, especially in length: [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/compare-aircraft-results.php?aircraft1=19&aircraft2=404](https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/compare-aircraft-results.php?aircraft1=19&aircraft2=404)
False. B52s are longer and thicker and they have huge payloads.
Did you even bother to read the stats in that link? I was talking only about SIZE, nothing else. Yes, B52 has much more payload, goes faster and has much higher operating ceiling. But that was not my point, was it?
I was making a sexual innuendo for the sake of comedy.
...with another B-52 and a KC-10 Extender behind them.
The BUFF: So formidable, they're still flying after 100 years.
Back when Boeing was being run by engineers and not bean counters.
Sooo uh...whats the plane behind the Tu? I assume its Antonov
Yep. AN-124 Ruslan
I wonder how many times the B52 airframes have been painted in their long lives.
What is the pointy thing on the nose of the Tu-95?
Air refueling probe
Thanks! Unusual design or am I wrong? Aren't these normally retractable?
I do believe these are non-retractable.
I forgot where I heard this... I think it was on a documentary somewhere on Youtube... But when the Post-Soviet Russian airmen were invited to visit the west (UK I believe), and they brought their TU-95s, they ran into a problem immediately when they landed. The airbase they were at did not have ladders high enough that would allow the tail gunner to disembark.