A lonely US Navy A-7 intercepts a formation of Soviet Tu-16 Badger bombers
The Tupolev Tu-16, also known by the NATO reporting name Badger, was an innovative project that was developed in response to a need from the Soviet Ministry of Defense for a fast bomber that would counter the threats posed by NATO. Built around two turbojets, the most powerful jet engines in the world at the time, and it was the first Soviet medium bomber with swept wings. The Tu-16 was first flown in 1952 and was used for missile strikes, Electronic CounterMeasures, the delivery of nuclear bombs, and reconnaissance.
Upon entering service, the Badger was employed to track the movements of NATO carrier task forces. Western aviation publications were full of images of Soviet Tu-16s flying over the US Navy and Royal Navy aircraft carrier decks in the 1960s and 1970s.
Tu-16 Badger “simulated” attack on two US Carriers
Former US Navy A-7 Corsair II pilot David Tussey recalls on Quora;
‘I once intercepted a Badger “simulated” attack on two US Carriers operating in the Sea of Japan in 1986. The Badgers were out of Vladivostok. It was about 3 am in the morning. 5–6 aircraft. The formation sped quickly (450kts+) towards the carrier battle group, reached their presumed “launch position” about 100 miles away, and then turned back and slowed down to return home.
‘My job was to verify that there were no missiles on the Badger’s wings, which there weren’t any… So, we knew it was just a simulated attack. Using the carrier battle group as training. The carrier had spotted these aircraft very shortly after takeoff and was tracking them for well over a hundred miles before they turned back.
Flying inside a formation of Soviet Badger bombers
‘Got to admit…it was weird flying inside a formation of Soviet Badger aircraft in the pitch black of night…and they didn’t have their lights on. (My lights were on full display, so they knew for sure I was there.)
‘Creeeeepy. I’m sure the Soviet strike leader was none too happy to have this Navy jet along with them, moving from plane to plane to ascertain they weren’t carrying any anti-ship missiles.’
Tussey concludes;
‘In the end, the Badgers turned back. I left the formation. We tracked them all the way back to Vlad. I returned to the carrier just in time to catch an early breakfast, then hit the rack.
‘Just another Tuesday in Naval Aviation.’
Photo by U.S. Navy