Name: Tupolev T-80M "Grom" (Russian for "Thunder")

Lore:

The Tupolev T-80M "Grom" was developed as a next-generation supersonic bomber to replace the aging Tu-22M and enhance the Soviet Union's strategic strike capabilities. It featured variable-sweep wings for flexibility in both high-speed dashes and low-speed precision strike missions. The design incorporated limited stealth elements to reduce radar visibility while maintaining durability for low-altitude penetration. Initially conceptualized during the 1980s, the bomber aimed to counter NATO's growing air defense systems, emphasizing speed, agility, and heavy payload capacity.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the project was shelved, and the sole prototype was abandoned. It was briefly revisited in the early 2000s as Russia sought to revitalize its bomber fleet, but the rise of hypersonic missile technology and unmanned systems rendered the T-80M obsolete. Despite its cancellation, the bomber became a symbol of Cold War-era ambition and is regarded as one of Tupolev's most ambitious, albeit unrealized, designs.

Specifications:

The Tupolev T-80M was powered by four NK-25M turbofan engines, capable of propelling the aircraft to speeds exceeding Mach 2.3 at high altitude. Its variable-sweep wings allowed for a balance between fuel efficiency during long-range missions and maneuverability for evading enemy defenses. The aircraft could carry up to 22,000 kg of munitions in its internal bays, including long-range cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and free-fall bombs, making it a versatile platform for both strategic and tactical roles.

Designed with survivability in mind, the T-80M incorporated a robust electronic warfare suite, including jamming capabilities and flares. Its advanced avionics suite included a phased-array radar for precision targeting and terrain-following capabilities, ensuring mission success in both contested and remote environments. Though it never entered production, the T-80M remains a testament to Tupolev's innovative approach to strategic bomber design.

When the Tupolev T-80M "Grom" was revisited in the early 2000s, Russian engineers sought to modernize the design to align with emerging technologies and evolving military doctrines. While the original design focused heavily on speed and variable-sweep capabilities, the upgrades emphasized survivability, efficiency, and advanced weapon integration. The aircraft received a new avionics package, including an upgraded phased-array radar and an advanced electronic warfare suite capable of detecting and countering modern air defense systems.

In addition to avionics, the revival featured enhanced fuel efficiency through updated NK-32M engines, providing longer operational range without compromising its high-speed performance. This allowed the T-80M to support strategic missions deep within contested airspace. To keep pace with developments in missile technology, the payload configuration was adapted to carry next-generation hypersonic weapons like the KH-47M2 Kinzhal, alongside its original suite of long-range cruise missiles. Despite these advancements, the T-80M project was ultimately overshadowed by the PAK DA program, marking the end of its development.

Features:
• I found it as an image in Pinterest but didn't find who made it or what it is so I made it in SimplePlanes and built a lore around it.
• satisfied with it
• at first I made the wings and ailerons and I forgot the fuselage also acts as a wing in the design so a nudged a large wing in the fuselage :)
• 8 FAB-500 and 8 FAB-1500 Bombs
• The wings sweep and has afterburner :)

Controls:
1. Throttle for normal thrust for landing and takeoff
2. Activate1 to sweep wings back and turn on afterburners which drink lots of fuel.
3. Turn on Air-to-ground and Activate 2 to arm bombs (FAb-500, FAB-1500)
4. Activate3 to drop FAB-1500 Bombing Style
5. Activate4 to drop FAB-500 Bombing Style

That's about it happy dodging everything ;)