Blackjack, by Richard J. Terry, undated. The Russian Tupolev Tu-160 (NATO name: BLACKJACK) is a long-range strategic bomber that became operational in the late 1980s. It is capable of carrying cruise missiles, short-range missiles, bombs, or a combination of each. The BLACKJACK has variable geometry wings and a maximum level speed of Mach 2.05. It remains in service with the Russian air force.