A Russian made Tupelov Tu-95 variant enjoying the escort services of a pair of Mig-29 Fulcrum jet fighters. The Tu-95, counting the prototype, boasts no fewer than 23 variant models. Like the Boeing B-52, its suitability to many varying roles and upgrades has given it a similar longevity in service. It is one of the few swept-back wing, prop driven aircraft in production. The decision to power the Bear with 4 Kuznetsov piston driven turboprops with counter rotaing engines was a practical solution that served two functions. The piston driven engines used less fuel than the available jet engines as well as extending the aircraft's range considerably. For an aircraft that first flew in 1952, the Bear has shown a remarkable adaptability in the face of rapidly changing aviation design and technology. Not much to say about the Fulcrum (this is about the Bear!), but I've always liked the cockpit cantilevered out in front of the intakes and well in front of the wings...great looking beast and strangely elegant. Both models came from sketchup warehouse for free. I think they were uploaded by Mandun. A bit of re-tex and some tweaks in the paintshop. Models prepped in sketchup and C4d; composed, lighted, texture adjusted, and rendered in Vue6Infinite; touch-ups and any postwork in PS Cs3