Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Tupolev Tu-204, Tu-214, Tu-224 & Tu-234

Country of origin
Russia
Type
Medium range airliner
History
The Tupolev Tu-204 is a medium range narrowbody twinjet and was the first Russian airliner to fly with western engines.
Tupolev began development of the Tu-204 to meet an Aeroflot requirement for a replacement for the medium range Tu-154 trijet. This all new twin featured a supercritical wing, while engine designer Soloviev (now Aviadvigatel) specifically developed the PS90 turbofan. Other Tu-204 design features include fly-by-wire and a six screen EFIS flightdeck. First flight was on January 2 1989.
The Tu-204 is offered in a number of models. The base model is the Tu-204, while the Tu-204100 and 200 have higher max takeoff weights, more fuel and greater range. The Tu-204C and Tu-204-100C are freighters fitted with a forward main deck freight door, the Tu-214 is a combi convertible development.
Tupolev was keen to develop a westernised development of the Tu-204 to broaden the type's market appeal, resulting in the RollsRoyce RB211535 powered Tu-204120, which first flew on August 14 1992. All but the first five feature Honeywell's VIA 2000 EFIS avionics suite.
Rolls-Royce powered variants include the Tu-204-120C freighter, 122 with Rockwell Collins avionics, increased weight 220 and equivalent cargo -220C, and the -222 with Collins avionics. Air Cairo of Egypt became the launch operator when it took delivery of a Tu-204-120 and -120C in November 1998.
Tupolev is also developing shortened developments of the Tu-204, the 166 seat RB211-535E4 powered Tu-224 and 158kN (35,580lb) PS90P powered Tu-234. The Tu-234 prototype (converted from the Tu-204 prototype) was publicly displayed at the 1995 Moscow Airshow. Lack of funding has delayed first flight.
Other proposed developments include a Pratt & Whitney PW2240 powered model, a business jet and a maritime patrol platform.
Powerplants
Tu-204 - Two 158.3kN (35,580lb) Aviadvigatel PS90A turbofans. Tu-204220 - Two 191.7kN (43,100lb) Rolls-Royce RB211535E4 or 535F5 turbofans.
Performance
Tu-204 - Cruising speed 810km/h to 850km/h (437 to 460kt). Range with max payload 2430km (1312nm), with design payload 3400km (1835nm). Tu-204220 - Speeds same. Range with max payload 4600km (2483m).
Weights
Tu-204 - Operating empty 58,300kg (128,530lb), max takeoff 94,600kg (208,550lb). Tu-204220 - Operating empty 59,000kg (130,070lb), max takeoff 110,750kg (244,155lb).
Dimensions
Tu-204 - Wing span 41.80m (137ft 2in), length 46.10m (151ft 3in), height 13.90m (45ft 7in). Wing area 182.4m2 (1963.4sq ft).
Capacity
Flightcrew of two, although original Aeroflot requirement specified a flight engineer. Tu-204-200 seats up to 212 six abreast at 82cm (32in) pitch, or two class seating for 30 business class at 96cm (38in) pitch at six abreast and 154 economy at 81cm (32in) pitch and six abreast. Tu-224/234 seats 166 in a single class.
Production
Ten Tu-204s in airline service in 1998.

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