The Tupolev Tu-22M3 (NATO: Backfire-C) is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau. During the Cold War, the Tu-22M was operated by the Soviet Air Forces (VVS) in a missile carrier strategic bombing role, and by the Soviet Naval Aviation (Aviacija Vojenno-Morskogo Flota, AVMF) in a long-range maritime anti-shipping role. As built, the Tu-22M included the provision for a retractable probe in the upper part of the nose for aerial refueling. The probe was reportedly removed as a result of the SALT negotiations, because with refueling it was considered an intercontinental range strategic bomber. The probe can be reinstated if needed.Significant numbers remain in service with the Russian Air Force, and as of 2014 more than 100 Tu-22Ms are in use.

Tu-22M3 Backfire-C Long-Range Supersonic Missile Carrier Bomber

The later Tu-22M3, which first flew in 1977, introduced into operation in 1983 and officially entered service in 1989, had new NK-25 engines with substantially more power, wedge-shaped intake ramps similar to the MiG-25, wings with greater maximum sweep and a recontoured nose housing a new Almaz PNA (Planeta Nositel, izdeliye 030A) navigation/attack (NATO ‘Down Beat’) radar and NK-45 nav/attack system, which provides much-improved low-altitude flight. The aerodynamic changes increased its top speed to Mach 2.05 and its range by one third compared to the Tu-22M2. It has a revised tail turret with a single cannon, and provision for an internal rotary launcher for the Raduga Kh-15 missile, similar to the American AGM-69 SRAM. It was nicknamed Troika (‘Trio’ or third) in Russian service. 268 were built until 1993.

Tu-22M3 Backfire-C Long-Range Supersonic Missile Carrier Bomber

In total, about 500 Tu-22M aircraft of various modifications were built at the Kazan Aircraft Production Association. In 2018, the first completely modernized Tu-22М3М missile carrier bomber was created within the framework of a large-scale modernization program for aircraft systems of strategic and long-range aviation. In the course of the complete modernization, the aircraft was equipped with an advanced digital avionics system based on the domestic components. The conducted works resulted in the considerable enhancement of combat capabilities of the aircraft system including increased tactical effectiveness and larger operational radius. The first flight of the completely modernized Tu-22М3М missile carrier bomber was on December 28, 2018.

Tu-22M3 Backfire-C Long-Range Supersonic Missile Carrier Bomber

Tu-22M3 for the Russian Air Force with engines from Tu-160M2, 80 percent of avionics are replaced or upgraded,[84] including SVP-24-22 bombsights, a phased array NV-45 radar, GLONASS navigation system, modern digital glass cockpit and engine controls, electronic warfare countermeasures and the ability to use precision air-to-surface weapons. The Russian Ministry of Defense intends to upgrade up to 30 aircraft out of approximately 60 Tu-22M3s currently in service to the advanced Tu-22M3M variant. Service life will be extended to 40–45 years. On 16 August 2018, the first modernized aircraft was unveiled during a roll-out ceremony at the Kazan Aviation Plant. Tu-22M3Ms used to attack targets in Syria underwent modernization, during which the SVP-24-22 specialized computing subsystems were installed on them, significantly increasing the accuracy of the bombing.

Tu-22M3 Backfire-C Long-Range Supersonic Missile Carrier Bomber

Taylor Swift has finally given her first live performance of the title song from her new album The Tortured Poets Department.

The 34-year-old pop star is hurtling around the world on her Eras Tour, an economic juggernaut that tipped her over the line into billionaire status.

She arrived in Lisbon, Portugal this week and performed on Friday and Saturday night at the sprawling Estádio da Luz, which seats over 64,000 people.

Footage has surfaced on X, formerly Twitter, of Taylor performing a medley of The Tortured Poets Department and her earlier song Now That We Don't Talk on Saturday.

'So, this is actually the first time I've ever playing this one live,' she said before the first song, to a rapturous round of screaming applause from the audience.

Taylor Swift gave her first live performance of the title song from her new album The Tortured Poets Department in Lisbon on Saturday; pictured in the Portuguese capital on Friday

Taylor was decked out in a bright orange dip hem gown for the medley, which saw her accompany herself on the acoustic guitar.

Over the course of the tour, she has become known for treating the audience to 'surprise songs' during special sections of her concerts.

She dropped The Tortured Poets Department to a ravenous fan response last month, sending her Swifties into a frenzy as they dissected her songs aimed at ex-boyfriends like Matty Healy and Joe Alwyn.

The title song's live debut comes amid reports Taylor booked a £3.3million cottage in the Cotswolds where she will stay during the UK leg of her legendary Eras tour.

Swapping the tranquil countryside for the swanky city, it seems also her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce will be 'joining her for a getaway'.

'Taylor has booked the cottage while she is over in the UK,' a source told The Sun.

'She wants a place to unwind away from the tour and the countryside is her happy place.'

'Taylor loves dressing up in sequins on stage but is most at home in muddy boots in the fresh air.'

Taylor Swift appears to have hickey on her neck at Sweden show

She dropped The Tortured Poets Department to a ravenous fan response last month, sending her Swifties into a frenzy as they dissected her songs

Footage has surfaced on X, formerly Twitter, of Taylor performing a medley of The Tortured Poets Department and her earlier song Now That We Don't Talk on Saturday; pictured Friday

Taylor was decked out in a bright orange dip hem gown for the medley, which saw her accompany herself on the acoustic guitar on Saturday; pictured Friday

The Cotswolds area is located very close to one of the exclusive private members' club Soho Farmhouse (pictured) known for also being a hotspot for many celebrities

Taylor Swift Lisbon concert chaos as fans push through after delays

MailOnline has contacted Taylor's representatives for comment.

The Cotswolds area is located very close to one of the exclusive private members' club Soho Farmhouse, known as a hotspot for many celebrities.

Just not far from there, David Cameron lives in the quiet rural area - as well as fashion icon Kate Moss, music mogul Simon Cowell and his BGT's co-star Amanda Holden.

The Bad Blood hitmaker will kick off her UK tour in Edinburgh on June 7, followed by Liverpool, Cardiff, and a slew of live gigs in London between June and August.

Taylor's unprecedented successful tour is said to boost the economy by almost £1billion with her 15 shows - yet fans are struggling with Airbnb's prices on the rise during the dates.

The average cost per night in Edinburgh is roughly £769 per night - but the weekend before it's £237.88, making it a 223% increase throughout the weekend of her tour dates, as per The Mirror.

Edinburgh proved to skyrocket with prices above any other date, but also the cost of Airbnb in Liverpool went from £99.64 a night to £202.59 for the gigs' dates, with costs hiking more than double.

Her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce, 34, is said to be joining her on the rural countryside for a getaway (pictured kissing at the Super Bowl after Kansas City's win)

The 22 hitmaker will kick off her UK tour in Edinburgh on June 7, followed by Liverpool, Cardiff, and a slew of live gigs in London between June and August (pictured in Lisbon)

Taylor Swift performs 'But Daddy I Love Him' for the first time

The pop legend will grace London's Wembley Stadium for multiple dates in a row, and to calculate the average cost Alt Index looked at Travelodge hotels within three miles of the stadium.

The average cost for a one-night stay when she plays on June 21, 22 and 23 is £222.60.

But the same time period the prior week before is £109.93, marking a 102% increase.

The superstar will be back in London for another batch of live gigs on 15, 16, 17, 19 and 20 August - when the average cost for a one-night stay at a nearby Travelodge is £167.96, showing a 91% increase amid the tour dates.

Consumer expert Scott Dixon, of The Complaints Resolver, told the publication: 'This is blatant profiteering and extortion which simply cannot be justified. No hotel or Airbnb can justify charging nearly £800 for one night.

'This highlights why consumers ought to plan ahead and factor in these costs, and consider different locations when buying tickets for events.'