Chance Missed

Well, if you were looking to buy a Soviet-era long-range bomber on eBay, you have missed your chance. Whoever was selling the Tupolev TU-95 has pulled it, no explanations offered.

The TU-95 played the same role in the U.S.S.R.'s Cold War strategy as the B-52 did for the United States, although it was a turboprop instead of a jet. It would carry large amounts of bombs long distances, with the ability to deliver a heavy nuclear payload deep inside the United States in the event that war began.

This particular aircraft had been modified to fire cruise missiles (in much the same way the venerable Stratofortress was updated for modern munitions) and had only 454 hours of flight time. It was posted by a German seller, but had been a part of the Ukrainian air force before decommissioning and was on a Ukrainian runway when offered for sale.

Of course, given the current geopolitical situation in the area, it may be that the Ukrainian air force has decided to hold on to it for awhile, just in case.