The Tupolev Tu-125 was an unrealized project to develop a new long-range supersonic bomber for the Soviet Air Force. Development commenced in 1958 to replace the newest Tu-22. The "Tu-125" designation was an internal one used by the Tupolev design bureau. Since the aircraft was never built, it never received a military designation.

A canard design was chosen for the aircraft, featuring a delta planform for the wing and stabiliser. Two turbojets (Kuznetsov NK-6 or NK-10 (230-240kN)) were to be installed in nacelles under the wings. A four-turbojet version, powered by Tumanskii R-15 B-300s in two nacelles also was considered. The fuselage and wings made from titanium and aluminium alloys.

In September, 1962, the Soviet Air Force rejected the project and it was stopped. No aircraft were built.

Specifications (Tu-125, four-engine version)

General Characteristics

• Crew:
• Length: 41.40 m (135 ft 10 in)
• Wingspan: 22.20 m (72 ft 10 in)
• Height: 9.55 m (31 ft 4 in)
• Wing area: 226.0 m² (2,430 ft²)
• Empty: kg ( lb)
• Loaded: 110,000 kg (242,000 lb)
• Maximum takeoff: kg ( lb)
• Powerplant: 4x Tumanskii R-15 B-300, 110 kN (24,640 lb) thrust each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 3,500 km/h (2,188 mph)
• Range: 7,000 km (4,375 miles)
• Service ceiling: 25,000 m (82,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: m/min ( ft/min)
• Wing loading: 487 kg/m² (100 lb/ft²)
• Thrust/weight: 1:4

Armament

1x Raduga Kh-22 nuclear missile

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Comparable aircraft: XB-70 Valkyrie

Designation sequence: Tu-121 - Tu-123 - Tu-124 - Tu-125 - Tu-126 - Tu-128 - Tu-130