Tupolev Tu-126
The Tupolev Tu -126 (Russian Туполев Ту -126, NATO reporting name: " Moss" ) was a Soviet reconnaissance aircraft, which was based on the civilian passenger aircraft Tupolev Tu- 114.
History
The development was carried out from January 1960 under the name Isdelije ( Изделие, product ) L in the OKB Tupolev -156 and was led by Nikolai Blazenkow. The first flight took place in 1962 and was conducted by Ivan Suchomlin. The first Tu -126 entered service in 1965. The main task was to air surveillance, which with the help of the system " Liane " belonging radar antenna, which is located in a rotating rotodome happened. At the same time this aircraft was used as a command center. The approach of the allied units could be coordinated through this command structure. To increase the service life of the machines, they are equipped with an aerial refueling system. The four huge turboprop engines produced with its counter-rotating propellers interference on the radar screen. Therefore, stationed at the 67th independent squadron in Šiauliai eight existing copies and the prototype used for tests after commissioning of the Beriev A-50 in 1984 were retired.