15 Tupolev Tu-128S-4M Fiddler
In the 1980s, Tu-128s began coordinating with the Tupolev Tu-126 (NATO reporting name: “Moss”) airborne warning and control system aircraft (AWACS). The Tu-126 would direct the Fiddlers to targets from the air. The PVO also considered using one Tu-128 to direct other Tu-128s to targets using its powerful radar. This possibility became more likely given the Tu-128S-4M’s new Smerch-M radar, which could intercept targets at lower altitudes in ground clutter.
In this image, a flight line of Tu-128S-4Ms from the 518th AP is being prepared for patrols. The life of an Arctic Circle patrol aircraft was difficult due to the lack of proper facilities and, of course, the harsh working environment. Some Soviet air bases had hardened shelters for their fighter aircraft, but due to the enormous size of the Tu-128, they were often parked on alert patches and exposed to the elements. Given the ever-changing weather conditions, keeping the aircraft on alert was tiresome for ground and flight crews.
15 Tupolev Tu-128S-4M Fiddler
In the 1980s, Tu-128s began coordinating with the Tupolev Tu-126 (NATO reporting name: “Moss”) airborne warning and control system aircraft (AWACS). The Tu-126 would direct the Fiddlers to targets from the air. The PVO also considered using one Tu-128 to direct other Tu-128s to targets using its powerful radar. This possibility became more likely given the Tu-128S-4M’s new Smerch-M radar, which could intercept targets at lower altitudes in ground clutter.
In this image, a flight line of Tu-128S-4Ms from the 518th AP is being prepared for patrols. The life of an Arctic Circle patrol aircraft was difficult due to the lack of proper facilities and, of course, the harsh working environment. Some Soviet air bases had hardened shelters for their fighter aircraft, but due to the enormous size of the Tu-128, they were often parked on alert patches and exposed to the elements. Given the ever-changing weather conditions, keeping the aircraft on alert was tiresome for ground and flight crews.