Should take you here
www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisa...

Doesn't look like it was added to the tree.

Part of the deal is that we sacrifice editorial control.

We had a fair few stories lost to the cutting room floor, but that's just how it goes.

Agreed though, would have been great to feature more roles - difficult with this format as an observational doc

Good spot!

I wanted to give a shout-out to Leonardo for being hugely supportive in my role as a Reserve to make #TopGunsC4 happen.

How have you found the series so far?

Hey Stuart, I'm not sure I understand your question?

The system has been deployed *in response* to the sighting of small uncrewed air systems.

Can you rephrase your question or be more specific?

I'm enjoying that he doesn't know whether he has made ready or not, so pulls the trigger, then realises he hasn't cocked.

Doesn't really give off the energy he's looking for.

The right thing has happened, long overdue. Thanks for your service Tim, I hope you're well.

All good thanks my friend.

Thanks Ian. Went a bit quiet on X - was a bit bored of it. Some good stuff coming up with the @royalairforce.bsky.social in the new year... stay tuned 🙂

Hope you're well?

So despite sharing the same NATO reporting name, they are three fundamentally different aircraft types performing different roles.

When you see a Bear F, it usually means they're hunting submarines, or working with their own submarines.

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Tu-142 Bear-J

Usually operating alongside two Bear-F, these are used for Very Low Frequency comms relay.

They are equipped with a Trailing Wire Antenna - see the left graphic for all of the details. These can pose a significant flight safety risk.

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Tu-142 Bear-F

Usually operating in twos, this variant is a Maritime Recon & Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft.

You can identify them by looking for the antenna sticking out backwards, which is a MAD - Magnetic Anomaly Detector.

<22 Tu-142 (F & J) in service.

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Tu-95 Bear-H

Traditionally operating in twos, these strategic bombers are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

You can identify them by looking for a 'dome' on the top of the tail, pointing backwards.

This variant also has a tail gunner position.

<42 in service.

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🐻 The codename BEAR is a NATO designation. Generally codenames start with the first letter of what they are - which is where the "bomber" confusion may originate!

Tu-95 Bear-H are Strategic Bombers
Tu-142 Bear-F are Maritime Recon & ASW (anti sub warfare)
Tu-142 Bear-J are VLF Comms Relays

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