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Tartu: Air Base

Raadi, Аэродром Тарту

For historical information only, do not use for navigation or aviation purposes!
CoordinatesN582416 E0264626 (WGS84) Google Maps
Elevation 200'
Map with location of Tartu Air Base
The history of the Cold War airfields: Tartu

General

Tartu is located in the east of Estonia. North of the city was an aerodrome. During the Cold War, there was a large air base of the Soviet Air Force for bomber and transport aircraft. Today, the airfield is closed.

During the Cold War

Use

Soviet airbase for long-range bombers transport aircraft.

In the 1960s

Overview

Satellite image of Tartu Air Base, Estonia, 1965
Satellite picture from October 1965, direction of view approximately west
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Military aerodrome Tartu
The same image northed, but now very distorted. - At this point in time, the runway is 2500 m long
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
West end of runway
West end of runway - A grass runway is marked with dotted lines to the north of the paved runway.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
East end of runway
East end of runway - Here, too, the markings of the grass runway are recognizable
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Transport aircraft Antonow An-12 in Tartu, Estonia
Two transport aircraft, presumably Antonov An-12
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Aircraft An-12
For better visibility, the two planes are seen in the correct perspective and magnified.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Tartu airfield, Estonia, with bomber Tupolev Tu-16
There are 7 Tupolev Tu-16 on the flight line.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Aircraft Tu-16
These aircraft in the right perspective, too
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Soviet Tu-16 in Tartu
There are 8 more planes in this area, probably also Tu-16
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Aircraft Tupolev Tu-16 in Tartu, Estonia
Image in correct perspective
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Tank farm and other facilities
Tank farm and other facilities
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Installations
Installations
Source: U.S. Geological Survey

History

  • July 1965
    US agencies count at the airfield 2 medium swept-wing, 3 possible medium swept-wing and 7 light straight-wing aircraft. (Source: CIA)

In the 1970s

Situation

Map with Tartu Air Base, Estonia, 1973
Tartu Air Base on a map of the US Department of Defense from 1973
Source: ONC D-3 (1973), Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas at Austin /PCL MC/

Overview

US satellite image of Tartu Airfield, Estonia, June 1975
US satellite image from June 1975 - Compared to the 1965 picture, the ramp areas were extended and a new parking area was added in the southeast.

In the 1980s and early 1990s

Runways

  • 09/27: 3000 m x 60 m Concrete

Units

132 TBAP: Tu-22M3, Tu-16 (1990).

Installations

Runway; main taxiway in the south; flight line and several large open parking pads. Obviously, the airfield did not have a direct railway connection.

Today

Use

Closed.

Sources

Links

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