The Tupolev Tu-95, also known as the "Bear" in NATO reporting, is a significant strategic bomber and missile platform powered by four turboprop engines. Its first flight took place in 1952, and it was introduced into service with the Long-Range Aviation of the Soviet Air Forces in 1956. The Tu-95 made its combat debut in 2015 and is projected to remain operational within the Russian Aerospace Forces until at least 2040.
 
There are variants of this bomber designed for maritime patrol, known as the Tu-142, and a passenger airliner derivative called the Tu-114.
 
Equipped with four Kuznetsov NK-12 engines featuring contra-rotating propellers, the Tu-95 stands as the sole operational propeller-powered strategic bomber to this day. Notably, it is recognized for its high noise levels, primarily due to the propeller blade tips exceeding the speed of sound. The aircraft's distinctive swept-back wings are set at an angle of 35°, distinguishing the Tu-95 as the most prolific propeller-driven aircraft with swept wings ever produced.
 
General characteristics
Crew: 6–7; pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, communications system operator, navigator, tail gunner, plus sometimes another navigator.
Length: 46.2 m (151 ft 7 in)
Wingspan: 50.1 m (164 ft 4 in)
Height: 12.12 m (39 ft 9 in)
Wing area: 310 m2 (3,300 sq ft)
Empty weight: 90,000 kg (198,416 lb)
Gross weight: 171,000 kg (376,990 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 188,000 kg (414,469 lb)
Powerplant: 4 × Kuznetsov NK-12 turboprop engines 15,000 PS (15,000 hp; 11,000 kW)
Propellers: 8-bladed contra-rotating fully feathering constant-speed propellers
Performance
Maximum speed: 925 km/h (575 mph, 499 kn)
Cruise speed: 710 km/h (440 mph, 380 kn)
Range: 15,000 km (9,300 mi, 8,100 nmi)
Service ceiling: 13,716 m (45,000 ft)
Rate of climb: 10 m/s (2,000 ft/min)
Wing loading: 606 kg/m2 (124 lb/sq ft)
Power/mass: 0.235 kW/kg (0.143 hp/lb)
Armament
Guns: 2 × 23 mm (0.906 in) Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 autocannon in tail turret
Missiles: Up to 15,000 kg (33,000 lb), including the Kh-20, Kh-22, and Kh-55/101/102, or 8 Kh-101/102 cruise missiles mounted on underwing pylons.