Italeri 1/72 Tu22M2 Backfire-B Strategic Bomber Kit

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ORIGINAL MOULDS FROM ESCI - NEW SUPER DECALS FOR 3 VERSIONS - COLOR INSTRUCTION SHEET

Developed in the late 1960s, the Tupolev TU-22M “Backfire” entered service with the Soviet Air Force during the 1970s and can be considered an icon of the Cold War due to its distinctive design. The “Backfire” is a twin-engine strategic bomber with variable-geometry wings capable of carrying and deploying nuclear and conventional weapons. An advanced aircraft for its time, it represented a significant improvement over previous Soviet strategic bombers. Thanks to its two powerful engines mounted under the tail, the Tupolev bomber could reach speeds of Mach 1.9, posing a formidable threat to U.S. and NATO air defenses. The “Backfire” also specialized in conventional attacks against surface ships. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, a large number of TU-22Ms were utilized by the Russian Air Force, with subsequent upgrades in avionics and propulsion systems.

REVIEW

The Italeri 1/72 scale Tu-22M2 Backfire Soviet strategic bomber kit is an impressive addition to any model aircraft collection, especially if you're a fan of Cold War-era bombers. One of the first things you'll notice is the sheer size of the model. At 1/72 scale, this kit is massive—it emphasizes the Backfire's imposing presence. Once built, it dominates any display, capturing the essence of the Soviet strategic bomber’s heavy-duty design.

Though the molds were originally produced by ESCI some years ago, Italeri has done a great job ensuring the kit still holds up to today’s standards. The panel lines and overall details are crisp, and while there may be some minor fit issues due to the age of the molds, the kit provides an excellent balance between nostalgia and quality. It’s rare to find older kits that retain this level of quality, making it a great value for modelers seeking something unique and historically significant. With careful assembly and some attention to detail, the Italeri Tu-22M2 turns into a fantastic representation of the Backfire. We highly recommend it for anyone looking to add this Soviet strategic bomber to their collection!