What is this nose projection on the Tupolev Tu-95?

Question

The Tupolev Tu-95 has this long and quite substantial appearing projection from it's nose just under the cockpit windscreen:

What is this? I initially though this might be a cannon but being a heavy bomber, that makes little sense as it would be quite difficult to aim effectively.

Answer 1

That boom is the refueling probe used for in-air refueling:

^{(image source: pinterest)}

You can see it in action in this photo, where an Il-76 is refueling a Tu-95:

^{(image source: reddit)}