Tupolev Tu-204By Wikipedia
The Tupolev
Tu-204 was developed in the Awesome80s as a replacement for the Tu-154
on Aeroflot's
medium range routes. It was the first Soviet aircraft to take
advantage of "glass cockpit" advances found in the 757/767
and Airbus A320.
The Tu-204 made its first flight on January 2, 1989.
Technology
It is the first of the new generation Russian airliners, the other
being the Ilyushin Il-96. It features many technological innovations such
as
- fly-by-wire
- glass cockpit, available in both Russian and western varieties
- advanced supercritical wings fitted with winglets
- advanced western avionics
- the first to use western engines, Rolls-Royce RB211-535
Variants
Tu-204/204C
The Tu-204 is the basic passenger airline model, and the Tu-204C
is the basic freight or cargo model.
Tu-204-100/200
This is the initial version, powered by Soloviev (now Aviadvigatel)
PS90 turbofan with thrust of 157 kN (35,300 lbf). It uses Russian
powerplants and avionics. It was certified in January, 1995. The Tu-204-200
is a heavier version with extra fuel for more range. Only one has been
built by Aviastar in Ulyanovsk but not yet delivered (RA64036). Now this
version is only produced by KAPO in Kazan and marketed under the
designation Tu-214. The Tu-204-100C and Tu-204-200C are the
cargo versions of the -100 and -200 respectively, fitted with forward main
deck freight door. Currently the Tu-204-100/200 is offered with the option
of uprated Aviadvigatel PS90-A2 turbofan, which promises 40% longer period
between overhauls.
The Tu-204-100 has a maximum take-off weight of 103 metric tons and
range with 196 passenger in 2-class configuration is 2,500 nautical miles
(4,600 km).
Tu-204-120/220
In order to broaden the product appeal, the Tu-204-120/220
features western avionics and engines. It is powered by 2 Rolls-Royce
RB211-535 engineseach with thrust of 43,100 lbf (192 kN). Air Cairo of
Egypt became the launch operator when it took delivery of a Tu-204-120 and
its cargo version the Tu-120C, in November 1998. The Tu-204-220 and
Tu-220C, cargo version, is a higher gross weight variant of the
basic Tu-204-120.
The Tu-204-120 has a maximum take-off weight of 103 metric tons and
range with 196 passenger in 2-class configuration is 2,500 nautical miles
(4,600 km).
Tu-204-300
It is a shortened, longer range derivative of the Tu-204. It is about
20 ft (6 m) shorter than the basic Tu-204. It is available in 2 version;
the longer ranged heavier version powered by Aviadvigatel PS90-A2 turbofan
has a maximum take-off weight of 103 metric tons and range with 166
passengers increases to 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km) and the lighter
shorter ranged version with a maximum take-off weight of 89 metric tons
and range with 166 passengers is 1,900 nautical miles (3,500 km). Russian
airliner Vladivostok Air is the launch customer.
Tu-204-500
This is a version of Tu-204-300 optimized for shorter routes, featuring
smaller wings, increasing cruising speed to Mach 0.84, making it a
competitor to Next Generation Boeing 737. It is ETOPS rated and fitted
with Honeywell 331-200ER APU.
Tu-206 and Tu-216
These variants are company-funded testbeds for alternative fuels, the
Tu-206 flying on liquefied natural gas and the Tu-216 on hydrogen.
Tu-214
Tu-214 is also a variation of Tu-204. It is technically a Tu-204-200
(see above). One of the differences is being produced in a different
factory. Both factories are independent from Tupolev design bureau and
have some say in the design of the variation they produce. Planes
designated Tu-204 are produced in Ulyanovsk by Aviastar, and these
designated Tu-214 in Kazan by KAPO.
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