Long-Range Aviation

a type of aviation in the Soviet Air Force. Until 1942 long-range aviation was called long-range bombardment aviation. In March 1942 the name was changed to strategic aviation. In 1946 it was renamed long-range aviation and designated for the performance of independent missions to destroy important objects deep in the enemy rear and for joint operations with commands and large units of the other armed services. On the basis of flight and tactical characteristics. aircraft armament, and the nature of missions performed, long-range aviation is divided into missile-bearing aviation, bombardment aviation, and reconnaissance aviation.