The most potent strategic bomber ever produced by the Soviet Union, was the Tupolev Tu-160. The success of the aircraft is evidenced by the fact that Russia is now resuming production of the Tu-160 to bolster its strategic potential in order to offset the reduction in the number of ballistic missiles which she has in her armoury. This book provides a comprehensive account of the design, building and operational service of the Tu-160, which was given the codename, Blackjack, by NATO. The author reveals many unknown aspects of the Tu-160 story. He outlines in detail the complex process which led to this design being accepted from a tendering procedure in which many of the Soviet Union's design companies participated. The reasons why competing aircraft from the Sukhoi and Myasischev bureaus failed to reach the hardware stage, are explained. Comparisons are made in the book between the Tu-160 and some of its competitors such as the Sukhoi T-4, known as, 'aircraft 100', a bomber which was ahead of its time, the variable-geometry, 'aircraft 200', and the Myasischev M-18 and M-20 types. Included in the book are reproductions of original factory drawings of the Tu-160, the M-18 and M-20 and several other intriguing projects. The work is richly illustrated with colour photos, many taken at the Long-Range Aviation base in Engels, home to the Russian Air Force's Tu-160s.