Thread by @DanChorley

Which bear is which?🐻

There are three main variants of Russian Bears which are intercepted by @RAFLossiemouth #QRA:

Tu-95 Bear-H // Strategic Bombers
Tu-142 Bear-F // Maritime Recon & ASW
Tu-142 Bear-J // VLF Comms Relay

This thread will show you how to identify variants! 1/4

Tu-95 Bear-H

Usually operating in twos, these strategic bombers are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

You can identify them by looking for a 'dome' on the top of the tail, pointing backwards.

This variant also has a tail gunner position.

Approx. 42 in service.

2/4

Tu-142 Bear-F

Usually operating in twos, this variant is a Maritime Recon & Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft.

You can identify them by looking for the antenna sticking out backwards, which is a MAD - Magnetic Anomaly Detector.

Approx. 22 Tu-142 (F & J) in service.

3/4

Tu-142 Bear-J // VLF Comms Relay

Usually operating alongside two Bear-F, these are used for Very Low Frequency comms relay.

They are equipped with a Trailing Wire Antenna - see the left graphic for all of the details. These can pose a significant flight safety risk.

4/4

@threadreaderapp unroll. For those who are that way inclined.