MOSCOW. Aug 26 (Interfax) - State trials of two modernized Tupolev Tu-22M3M long-range bombers will begin in 2020, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov told Interfax.
"The first experimental aircraft [Tu-22M3M] is undergoing factory trials, and the second aircraft will join the trials in the end of this year. The planes will be handed over to the military for state trials in the third quarter of 2020," Manturov said.
A contract with the Defense Ministry for profound modernization of operating Tu-22M3 aircraft is being prepared, he said.
The modernized Tu-22M3M performed its maiden flight on December 28, 2018.
"The flight was performed at an altitude of 1,500 meters and lasted for 37. The flight checked performance of updated systems and equipment installed in the process of profound modernization," the Tupolev company said in a statement.
According to Unified Aircraft Corporation (UAC) head Yury Slyusar, the delivery of modernized Tu-22M3M planes to the forces will begin in 2021.
A source told Interfax earlier that Tu-22M3M will again be equipped with flying booms for aerial refueling, which will significantly increase their combat and flight range and make it comparable with the one of strategic bombers.