Ukraine "landed" Russian Tu-160s thanks to strike on oil terminal in Engels
news.online.ua
Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:01:00 +0200
Russian bombers may run out of fuel after attack on oil tankerAs analysts note, Engels Air Base is the location of the Tu95MS and Tu160 strategic bombers belonging to the 22nd Heavy Bomber Air Division.If the Tu95MS uses conventional types of aviation fuel T1, TS, RT, then the Tu160 requires specific highdensity fuel of the T8V brand.This type of fuel is key for the NK32 engines installed on the Tu160, and is distinguished by its rich yellow exhaust color.
Its production is a complex technological process, and during the Soviet era, this type of fuel was produced at only a few enterprises in the city of Angarsk now Angarskaya Neftekhimicheskaya Kompaniya and Orsk now Orsknefteorgsintez.
If the affected tanks did indeed contain T8V fuel, this could temporarily limit the use of the Tu160.
Although it should be noted that Russia rarely uses these aircraft to strike Ukraine they were last involved on November 17, 2024, the first time in 550 days, experts note.
Such a strike has the potential to significantly reduce the activity of the enemys strategic aviation.Ukrainian Defense Forces hit oil depot in EngelsUkrainian units struck the Krystal Plant oil depot in the Saratov region, where petroleum products were stored.The attack caused multiple explosions in the area of the target, followed by a largescale fire.
Local authorities confirmed damage to an industrial facility.As noted by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the oil depot provided fuel to the Engels2 military airfield, where Russias strategic aviation is based.The strike was carried out by units of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in coordination with other components of the Defense Forces.
The destruction of the oil depot creates serious logistical difficulties for the enemys strategic aviation and significantly limits its ability to strike peaceful Ukrainian cities and civilian objects, the General Staff said in a statement.
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