What is tu 4?

TU-4, also known as the Tupolev Tu-4, is a Russian strategic bomber developed during the Soviet Union era. It was a reverse-engineered copy of the American B-29 Superfortress bomber that was captured during World War II. The Tupolev Design Bureau was tasked with creating a Soviet version of the B-29, and the resulting aircraft was designated as the Tu-4.

The Tu-4 first flew in 1947 and entered service with the Soviet Air Force in the early 1950s. It was used primarily as a long-range strategic bomber, capable of carrying a variety of payloads, including conventional bombs and nuclear weapons. The Tu-4 had a crew of 11 to 12 and could reach speeds of up to 548 mph (882 km/h) with a range of 3,300 miles (5,310 km).

The Tu-4 saw limited combat action during the Korean War, where it was used by the Soviet Union to provide air support to North Korean and Chinese forces. It was eventually phased out of service in the late 1950s and replaced by more modern bombers, such as the Tupolev Tu-16 and Tu-95.

Despite its relatively short service life, the Tu-4 played a significant role in the development of Soviet aviation technology and showcased the Soviet Union's ability to reverse-engineer and produce aircraft that could rival those of Western powers.