The war in Ukraine has demonstrated, among other things, the ingenuity of the belligerents and their rapid adaptation to the new operational data, dictated on the battlefield by the weapon systems-means and their tactical use by the adversary.
In this context, Russia is looking for ways to minimize damage to its fighter jets stationed at air bases, by taking passive protection measures, in addition to dealing with and shooting down Ukrainian drones.
There appears to be a palpable sense of concern emanating from Russia, stemming from potential threats to one of its critical military installations, the Engels-2 Air Base.
Satellite images taken on the first day of September reveal a Tu-95 strategic bomber protected by an unusual use of car tires. These tires are mounted along the entire length of both wings and on a small section of the upper fuselage. This odd arrangement serves a specific purpose, to provide a defense mechanism against potential drone attacks.
The role of tires and their performance
Russia’s decision to put car tires on the wings of a Tu-95 bomber is an attempt to create a makeshift defense against kamikaze drone attacks. The idea behind this is that the tires will absorb the impact of a drone, preventing it from causing significant damage to the aircraft.
Tires are made of rubber, which is an extremely elastic material. When a drone collides with the tires, the rubber will absorb the impact energy and deform, reducing the force transferred to the aircraft. This can help prevent damage to the wings and other critical components of the airplane.
However, it is important to note that this is not a foolproof defense against drone attacks.
The effectiveness of the tires will depend on several factors, including the size and speed of the drone, as well as the angle of impact.
In addition, there is a risk that the tires could catch fire or explode on impact, which could pose a danger to the aircraft and crew.
Overall, while using car tires on a bomber may seem like an unconventional approach to defense, it is a testament to the ongoing efforts to find new and innovative ways to protect against emerging threats. It remains to be seen how effective this strategy will be in practice, but it is an interesting development in aviation security.
Rubber in military weapons
Rubber parts have been used on military vehicles as part of their armor for many years. An example of this is the use of rubber pads on tank tracks. These pads help reduce the noise and vibration produced by the tracks, making the vehicle less detectable by enemy forces. They also help protect them from wear and tear, increasing their lifespan.
Another example of the use of rubber components in military vehicle armor is the use of rubber coatings on the exterior of the vehicle. These coatings can help absorb the impact of projectiles, reducing the damage done to the vehicle. They can also help protect the vehicle from environmental factors such as extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
The attack on December 5, 2022
It is recalled that on December 5 of the previous year, an unidentified drone allegedly launched an attack on the Engels Air Base in Russia, from which Russian fighter and bomber aircraft operate against Ukraine.
The incident was marked by a sharp explosion, resulting in damage to numerous bombers, although the extent of the destruction was less significant than the most recent Ukrainian attack on Pskov.
Indeed, the media at the time reported that at least two aircraft were damaged. In addition, two people are reported to have been injured, resulting in their transfer to a nearby medical center.
On December 1, just four days before the fatal attack, a new set of satellite images of Engels Air Force Base, just 14 kilometers (or 8.7 miles) east of Saratov, showed Russian Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers, there.
Upon closer inspection, the photo revealed the presence of at least 12 bombers at the air base. Among them were eight(8) Tu-95 bombers, with the remaining four being the more advanced Tu-160 bombers.
Additionally, examination of the satellite imagery reveals an interesting detail in the apparent presence of at least five cargo aircraft in the immediate vicinity. Notably, the images also reveal the existence of carriers, typically used to transport cruise missiles. “
Brace yourselves, because Russians have once again showcased unparalleled innovation. What you are looking at is a satellite image featuring a TU-95 strategic bomber covered with car tires. According to them, this should protect strategic bombers from drones pic.twitter.com/ZjDDzRPOWf— Tatarigami_UA (@Tatarigami_UA) September 3, 2023
Conclusion
The coating of the wings and part of the fuselage of TU-95 bombers by the Russians is a smart passive self-defense measure in the event that the Ukrainians launch an attack with drones and they manage to “pass” the dense Russian anti-aircraft defenses.
The above project remains to be seen to what extent it will prove effective, since it depends on a number of parameters.
Our assessment is that “dressing” the ground-based TU-95 bombers with tires provides an additional security to them, limiting the damage that will be caused in the event of a Ukrainian attack, with kamikazi drones that will carry a small explosive charge and that will hit them with an angle of incidence that will not be vertical.
