Russian Bomber Crashes Off Runway

A video has been released today showing a Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 “Backfire” failing to take off and skidding off the end of the runway.

The heavy bomber was taking part in Zapad 2017 military exercise when it crashed at Shaikavka Airbase in the Kaluga region, close to Belarus, according to reports.

The Russian newspaper that released the video, ‘бзгляд’, reported that the cause of the accident was due to the failure of speed sensors during the take-off, though other Russian media outlets report say that the aircraft was close to its weight limit for taking off.

The crew then made the split-second decision to abort the action using the release brake parachutes, causing the 112-ton aircraft to roll off the runway and crash.

The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that none of the crew involved were hurt and that the aircraft will return to service after repairs.

The main task of the long-range supersonic bomber-missile carrier is to hunt for aircraft carriers.

The aircraft is attributed to the 52nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment and has the ability to launch three X022, (24-ton) rockets over a distance of 2000 kilometres.