Inside the ‘White Swan’ bomber factory
The Kazan aircraft factory was established by the Soviet Union during World War 2. Currently, this is the only place capable of producing and maintaining the Tu-160 strategic bomber, known as `Heaven`.
The Kazan aircraft factory was established by the Soviet Union during World War 2. Currently, this is the only place capable of producing and maintaining the Tu-160 strategic bomber, known as `Heaven`.
Due to its huge size, each Tu-160 aircraft has its own hangar to carry out maintenance work.
Due to its huge size, each Tu-160 aircraft has its own hangar to carry out maintenance work.
Tu-160 production began in early 1981 and ended in 2008. During that process, the Kazan factory produced 16 Tu-160 bombers to be put into service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Tu-160 production began in early 1981 and ended in 2008. During that process, the Kazan factory produced 16 Tu-160 bombers to be put into service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.
In April 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu ordered the restart of the Tu-160 production line at the Kazan factory.
In April 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu ordered the restart of the Tu-160 production line at the Kazan factory.
Each Tu-160 is produced manually, without applying assembly line technology.
Each Tu-160 is produced manually, without applying assembly line technology.
Technicians are checking the electronic systems and displays in the cockpit of the Tu-160.
Technicians are checking the electronic systems and displays in the cockpit of the Tu-160.
In addition to the Tu-160, the Kazan plant is also responsible for overhauling the Tu-22M3 supersonic bomber.
In addition to the Tu-160, the Kazan plant is also responsible for overhauling the Tu-22M3 supersonic bomber.
Important parts such as engines and electronic systems will be disassembled for inspection and replacement.
Important parts such as engines and electronic systems will be disassembled for inspection and replacement.
After completing the overhaul process, the aircraft will be tested outdoors.
After completing the overhaul process, the aircraft will be tested outdoors.
Tu-214R electronic reconnaissance aircraft and Tu-214PU air command aircraft are also built here.
Tu-214R electronic reconnaissance aircraft and Tu-214PU air command aircraft are also built here.
Panoramic view of the Kazan factory area from above.
Panoramic view of the Kazan factory area from above.
Tu-160 aircraft during testing
Tu-160 during test flight.
Tu Quynh
