In the middle of 1950-s investigations were launched in the DS on layout, design and size definition of supersonic strategic missile-carrier bomber.

Full-scale development of the strategic supersonic TU-160 a/c was started in 1975. The aircraft was developed to replace the TU-95 and was based on technologies developed for the Tu-22M supersonic bomber and the TU-144 SST. It combines large aspect ratio swept wings proven on the TU-95 with with variable geometry outer wings developed for Tu-22M. The central integrated section of the aircraft was developed and proven on TU-144 SST.

TU-160 a/c like its forerunner retained characteristic features of classical heavy bomber – i.e. configuration of cantilever monoplane, large aspect-ratio, four wing engines (under fixed wing) tricycle nose wheel landing gear.

All missile and bomb weapon is located inside of two similar weapon compartments.

Of the 33 aircraft that were manufactured in experimental and serial production only 20 are left in Russia, furthermore manufacturing of three more serial aircraft is not completed yet.

Four-members crew of the aircraft is seated in pressurized cockpit in nose fuselage.