Tu-154 is a narrow-body passenger aircraft, which was introduced back in 1968 by the Tupolev Design Bureau. This machine was actively used in Soviet times for passenger traffic, however, even now these aircraft are in operation by some airlines. The characteristics of the Tu-154 allow you to use it even after almost 50 years after development. And although by modern standards, the liner is outdated, at one time it was one of the best aircraft in the world.
Specifications Tu-154
In terms of aerodynamics, it is a monoplane with an arrow-shaped wing. The power plant is represented by three engines located in the rear. The chassis has three struts, including a bow. The crew consists of four people.
As for the flight performance of the Tu-154, they are as follows:
- Length: 47.9 m.
- Wingspan: 37.6 m.
- Maximum take-off weight: 98-100 t.
- Fuel consumption: 6.2 t / h
- Maximum landing weight: 78 t.
- Fuel capacity: 39.8 t.
- Empty weight: 51 t.
- Maximum flight altitude: 12.1 km.
- Passenger capacity: 152-180 people.
- Cruising speed: 900 km / h.
- Takeoff run: 2.3 km
- Maximum speed: 950 km / h.
- Flight range with maximum load: 2650 km.
- Engines: 3x10 500 kgf NK-8-2.
It is worth noting that similar technical characteristics of the Tu-154 are characteristic of the original version of this liner. There are more than a dozen modifications that differ from each other in different features.
Modifications
At a minimum, 13 existing modifications can be distinguished:
- Tu-154, the technical characteristics of which are indicated above. This liner was mass-produced from 1971 to 1974. Initially, it was used to deliver mail.
- Modification of the Tu-154A received additional fuel tanks and modernized engines, which allowed to increase flight range. In addition, the wing and hull shapes were finalized in this model, which is why the liner gained the best aerodynamic characteristics.
- Tu-154B is a variant of this aircraft with a reinforced wing, additional fuel tanks and increased passenger capacity in the cabin. Reinforced wing design allowed to take on board more cargo. Also here has been improved autopilot.
- The Tu-145B-1 received improved on-board electronics and a large passenger capacity.
- Tu-154LL - a unique modification of the liner, which was converted into a flying laboratory in order to test the Buran spacecraft.
- Tu-154M - a model that includes a huge number of changes. In particular, this aircraft is more economical compared to the original version, has better aerodynamic properties, has a higher take-off mass and a new avionics system.
- Tu-154M2 - modification appeared after 1990. It was assumed that quieter and more efficient engines would be used here, which would make it possible to further increase the flight range and reduce the noise level in the cabin. But such an aircraft was not launched into series.
- Tu-154M100 - for the first time, these liners used the Western integrated avionics system. The aircraft itself received an improved interior, more comfortable seats for passengers.
- Tu-145ON - a special aircraft that was used to fly over the countries participating in the Open Skies programs.
- Tu-154M-LK-1 - a flying laboratory for training cosmonauts of the Center named after Gagarin.
- Tu-154S - cargo liner. It may also be designated Tu-154T.
- Tu-155 is an experimental version of the aircraft that can use hydrogen or methane as fuel.
Note that even during the very first tests of the liner, it was clear that it had space for the introduction of modifications and improvements. Therefore, the technical characteristics of the Tu-154 have changed over time. Already in 1975, designers were able to increase aircraft carrying capacity, passenger capacity and even install powerful NK-8-2U engines instead of the old NK-8-2.
Features
Some Tu-154 pilots note that this plane is quite complicated for a passenger airliner. It requires high professionalism of the pilot and staff. The unusual arrangement of the engines in the rear part reduces the noise level in the cabin and the turning moment when one of them fails. At the same time, this can create problems with the “shading” of the stabilizer and rear alignment. This can lead to surging and engine failure.
Use today
Aircraft production was discontinued in 2013. However, they are still in operation by some companies. At the end of 2013, they were used by the airlines of Belarus (5), Azerbaijan (3), China (3), Tajikistan (5), DPRK (2), Kyrgyzstan (3), Uzbekistan (3). In Russia, the fleet of different airlines has about 15 Tu-154 aircraft. At the end of 2014, UTair launched 24 liners and replaced them with an Airbus A321.
Conclusion
That Tu-154 is a massive Soviet and Russian aircraft. At the time of its creation, it had no competitors in the market of the countries of the Soviet Union. It is created at the level of world standards. This airliner was a worthy competitor to Boeing and Airbus. Unfortunately, despite the modifications that exist today, the technical characteristics of the Tu-154 are inferior to those of Western companies. This means that his time in the airline market has come to an end. Almost all airlines, including low-cost airlines, use Airbus and Boeing aircraft.