The Tu-214 was a logical continuation of the 204th project of the Tupolev Design Bureau, work on which began back in 1973. Over the past decades, the elemental base of the global aircraft instrument industry has changed, more efficient and in all respects improved power units have appeared, but the general concept of a twin-engine monoplane with a swept low wing has remained unchanged. Moreover, it was this scheme that proved its viability in the world aircraft industry.
If the 204th, which became the prototype of the airliner, was conceived as a simple medium-haul passenger airliner, then the Tu-214 has an increased flight range, which allows access to longer routes in a radius of more than 4300 kilometers.
The general designer of this aircraft was Yuri Vorobyov. In March 1996, a prototype was lifted into the air, and four years later, the Kazan aircraft factory team began assembling the first production unit.
Tu-214 has successfully passed certification, which proves its full compliance with all standards stipulated by international air transportation rules.
Actually, when this project was launched into the series, much was done for the first time in the domestic aircraft industry. Loading of standard LD containers is provided, for which cargo hatches have been increased, requirements for noise reduction have been taken into account, the internal volume has been expanded by reducing the floor height, the number of doors has been brought up to three.
The chassis is reinforced, and Michelin pneumatics are also used, which was also done for the first time in the production of domestic aircraft.
The control system has undergone significant modernization, especially the helms that were equipped with automation (ASChU).
The alignment of the Tu-214 in the event of dangerous rolls and trims is performed automatically, which suggests that the aircraft forgives many piloting errors.
The airliner, which has all the advantages of a modern passenger plane and is not inferior to foreign counterparts at a more affordable price, did not go unnoticed by carriers, primarily Russian ones. Already in 2001, the Dalavia company acquired two Tu-214s. Transaero, Vladivostok Air, Kavminvodyavia, Cairo Aviation, Cubana, Vnukovo Airlines and the Russian Air Force have also become operators of this aircraft both on domestic and international routes. The ability to carry up to 210 passengers, the presence of a luxury Imperial cabin make this liner an analogue of the Airbus 321 and Boeing-757.
In the tourist class, the seats are three in two rows. At the same time, it is very easy to increase or decrease the length of each of the salons; the partition between them is very easy to carry. The capacity of the closed luggage rack for each passenger is 52 liters. You can also enter the third class. Thus, depending on market conditions, the air carrier decides for himself which pricing policy it should choose on each specific route.
Foreign companies have also shown interest in the Tu-214. Photos of this aircraft with the logo of DHL and some other freight and passenger carriers are widespread and prove that the liner is in demand on the global aircraft market.