Decision to prolong life of Tupolev Tu-160 only correct decision - Russian Deputy PM Borisov
ANAPA. Feb 7 (Interfax) - The program to modernize the strategic missile carrier Tupolev Tu-160 which prolonged the operation of the plane was the only correct decision to be made, Russian Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the defense industry Yury Borisov said, commenting on a video released by the Defense Ministry on Thursday of the modernized bomber Tupolev Tu-160M's first flight.
"This plane has unique flight characteristics. It was the only correct decision by the Defense Ministry and the supreme commander-in-chief, to prolong the life of this plane," Borisov said.
The modernized plane is cardinally different from its predecessor, he said. "It has totally new avionics, new engines, whose resources and characteristics are 10% better; it has practically all new generation radioelectronic equipment," Borisov said.