Janitor: Again? How many times do I have to do this??

Me: yes

The Tu-25MBV, named "Strizh" (Swift), began as an ambitious modernization effort for Russia’s aging fleet of Tu-22M bombers, known for their variable geometry wings and long-range strike capabilities. Initially, the design bureau's goal was to improve the Tu-22M by enhancing its range and payload capacity. However, after months of indecision, it became clear that the existing airframe’s limitations could not meet the increasing demands of modern warfare. Faced with a choice between upgrading or innovating, the bureau opted for the latter, leading to the birth of a completely new stealth heavy bomber.

The Strizh featured an exotic forward-swept wing design—a bold departure from traditional swept-wing configurations. This radical change, though risky, offered improved maneuverability, increased lift, and a flatter fuselage bottom that contributed to a lifting body effect, significantly increasing wing area and enhancing the aircraft's overall efficiency. The result was a stealthy, forward-swept wing bomber with a V-tail and double engines, producing immense thrust.

Development moved at a remarkable pace, and within three years, a prototype was rolled out—three months ahead of schedule. The Strizh’s maiden flight began with high hopes, but it ended in disaster when the forward-swept wings succumbed to aerodynamic stress. The excessive forces caused the wings to snap off mid-flight, sending the bomber into a spiral of chaos. The pilot, unable to regain control, ejected safely before the aircraft crashed. This failure was a major setback for the program.

Determined not to abandon the project, the design bureau re-evaluated their materials and structural choices. They replaced much of the aluminum used in the wings with titanium, increasing the bomber's weight but drastically improving its strength and durability. After additional rounds of successful test flights, the Russian government greenlit the program, granting a contract for the production of 400 Strizh bombers.

The Tu-25MBV Strizh entered production, offering Russia a formidable strategic bomber with advanced stealth technology, high maneuverability, and the ability to deliver massive payloads deep into enemy territory. It became the backbone of Russia’s modern bomber fleet, marking the end of the old variable-sweep era and the dawn of forward-thinking aerodynamics.