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The ‘Tsar Bomba’ had such dimensions that it took a specially modified Tupolev Tu-95V bomber to carry, as was true for its derivatives with lesser yield which used the same bomb casing. Large by any standard, the size of the bomb casing is best illustrated by the fact that it could not fit even into the huge bomb bay of the Tu-95: it still protruded underneath it. While the bomb was immensely powerful its practical value was limited because its sheer size made it imperative to enlarge the bomb bay at the expence of fuel tanks, reducing the fuel supply, which would be necessary for the aircraft to reach intended targets in the continental USA. Notably, the Tu-95V that deployed the Tsar Bomba had most of its lower fuselage and undersides of its wings and fin spray-painted in anti-flash white. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)