Aviation machine gun "Hotchkiss Mle.1909" (1914). History of creation and production
The Tu-204 aircraft was developed in the 1980-1990s to replace its predecessor Tu-154, which was a breakthrough in Soviet and Russian aviation shipbuilding. The line of models of this vessel has 50 different variations, which are designed for passenger, cargo, special and VIP transportation. Each new version aircraft used developments and successful design solutions of existing modifications, combining various versions of the aircraft with ultimate goal its use.
- Tu-204 100 - 10 tons more take-off weight.
- Tu-204 200 - larger number fuel tanks, which increases the flight distance.
- Tu-204 100E - the cabin is equipped with English-language equipment, improved engines.
- Tu-204 100V - further improvements to the technical equipment of the previous model.
- Tu-204 100V-04 - this modification takes into account international requirements by noise level.
- Tu-204 120 - this model featured foreign avionics and new engines from England. The model was sold to Egypt in the amount of five units.
- Tu-204 300 - in this variation the fuselage is shortened, which reduces the number of passengers. Flight distance increased. The model answers everything international standards.
- Tu-204 300A - the model was specially designed for administrative flights in order to increase the flight distance.
- Tu-214 is a successful modification of the aircraft with a higher take-off and payload weight.
- Tu-204SM is the most successful variation of the original model. It has been completely revised technical specifications using previous successful modifications. This model can compete with Western manufacturing titans such as Boeing.
In addition to passenger models, there are cargo versions of the Tu-204, as well as planned versions of the aircraft, the release of which is expected in the coming years.
Stages of creating Tu-204 aircraft
The idea of creating a new model passenger aircraft originated in the USSR in the 1970s.
Its original design and technical equipment should have been similar to the Tu-134 and 136 aircraft. However, over time, emerging nuances made it similar to its foreign counterparts.
Model of the original three-engine version of the Tu-204
Disputes arose over the number of engines. The original two engines were planned to be replaced by three, but in the 1980s it was finally decided to add two engines to the design and mount them on the wing pylons, which was a qualitatively new solution for Soviet aircraft construction.
In 1987, preparations for production of the Tu-204 were in full swing.
A year later, a test copy of the aircraft was produced. A year later, the first flight of the Tu-204 was made. By the end of 1993, all tests of the suitability of the model were successfully completed. In 1995, the Tu-204 aircraft received all the necessary certificates for its admission to air transportation. Since 1990, serial production of machines of this modification began.
General characteristics of Tu-204
The characteristics of the Tu-204 reflect its modernity and reliability.
Aircraft in this category meet international standards for noise, air pollution and safety. In this regard, Tu-204 models freely fly on flights to the European Union, Asian and American countries.
The Tu-204 aircraft, the photo of which can be compared with its images of its predecessors, differs from them in the location of the engines and the massiveness of the structure. His strong point is the ability to fly and land with both engines out of order.
The aircraft's design uses lightweight and durable composite materials and aluminum alloys, and the shape of the wings and a capacious gas tank located in the tail of the vessel significantly improve its maneuverability.
The Tu-204 was the first in Russia to have a system remote control, allowing landing in low visibility conditions, which reduces the risk of accidents.
The Tu-204 cabin is equipped with last word techniques to reduce the pressure on aircraft pilots as much as possible. The instrument panel has 6 screens, with the help of which pilots fully monitor the status of the entire aircraft with the support of satellite communications.
Crew cabin
The wings and landing gear of the Tu-204 are made using a special technology that simplifies the flight and landing of the aircraft.
The aircraft is equipped modern system supplying air inside the cabin, generated directly from the ship’s compressors. The air temperature is automatically maintained at a given level.
The model's hydraulics consist of pumps driven by an engine. In case of breakdown there are additional pumps.
Probability emergency situation due to icing of engines and their components, as well as the cockpit windshield, is excluded due to a number of technical improvements. This fact was confirmed by a number of tests, including those under the auspices of international expert commissions.
Demand for Tu-204 aircraft
The design of a qualitatively new model of aircraft to replace the Tu-154 lasted more than one decade.
Leading Soviet, and then Russian and foreign experts in the field of aircraft design were involved in the development. The result exceeded all expectations: the resulting model meets all international standards, has an advantageous design and is economical.
The expected demand for the Tu-204 was accordingly high; high hopes. It was assumed that this aircraft would completely displace its outdated predecessors and mark the beginning of a qualitatively new level of civil aviation.
However, the aircraft of this model did not live up to the expectations placed on them. First of all, this was hampered by the high cost of the Tu-204 aircraft. It is more than twice as expensive as the Tu-154.
In the years of production, which occurred in the 90s, there was simply no need and opportunity to purchase large quantities of this model. The number of flights was rapidly declining, and financial problems prevented the purchase of new aircraft models. There is reason to believe that the unsuccessful release period of this model subsequently slowed down its popularization and demand in the market.
To date, the number of Tu-204 units produced is 40 units.
Some of them were sold abroad. In modern Russian aviation Oddly enough, airlines prefer to purchase non-new Boeings to update and replenish their aircraft fleet. Therefore, numerous laudatory reviews of the Tu-204 aircraft did not help it take a leading position in the market.
Red Wings Airlines has the largest number of Tu-204 aircraft.
There are six units of this model in its aircraft fleet. Transaero owns five aircraft of this brand. The Tu-204 could also be found on flights of Perm Airlines, S7-Siberia Airlines, Aviastar and Orenair.
The situation of the Tu-204 is complicated by the lack of a large number of produced vehicles. This is what makes production profitable, but there are few orders for the Tu-204. Some companies planning to purchase these machines subsequently went bankrupt. However, the state is committed to supporting the production of this model. Thus, two units of equipment were ordered by Russian Post.
The advantage of the Tu-204 is that it has a crew of only 2 people, which increases its economic efficiency.
Location of seats on the Tu-204 aircraft
The photo of the Tu-204 interior reflects its convenience and sufficient quantity space for a comfortable flight.
However, it is not enough to select suitable locations. A diagram of the Tu-204 aircraft cabin will help travelers with this.
The interior layout of the Tu-204 Red Wings is characterized by the presence of only one type of class - economy.
In total, the board can accommodate 220 passengers. However, places in various parts Aircraft differ in the level of comfort and free space. Conventionally, all zones can be divided into several types.
Convenient places
Seats in the first row are traditionally considered good, due to the absence of other passengers in front.
But at the same time, the space between the seats and the partition is limited, which will make the flight difficult for tall people.
Rows 9 and 28 have the advantage of only two seats, which will please passengers flying in pairs. There's plenty of room in the front to stretch your legs. However, there are serious restrictions on placement in these seats: due to the close proximity to the emergency exit, pregnant women, elderly people, disabled people and passengers with children will not be seated there. This rule is dictated by safety precautions, since in the event of an emergency, adults and healthy people. Therefore, if you do not meet one of the above points, you will be transferred.
Seats 10A, F and 29 A, F are located next to 9 and 28 on the edges. There are no seats in front of them, so there is more than enough legroom. These seats have no restrictions, so experienced passengers sell them out the fastest.
Places with certain inconveniences
In rows number 8 and 27, it is not possible to change the position of the seat back due to the emergency exit being located behind.
This can create some discomfort for those who cannot sit in one position for a long time and people suffering from back pain.
In row 35, seats C and D are located on the edges of the aisle. Possible inconvenience is created by the proximity of toilets, due to which passengers constantly pass by large number people who can touch those sitting.
Bad places
The most uncomfortable seats in the cabin are located at the rear of the plane.
The chairs in these places do not change the position of the backrests, and the close proximity of the toilets not only carries a risk unpleasant odor, but also increases the concentration of passengers nearby, which is why noise in these places interferes with a quiet flight.
Regular places
The remaining places have a standard set of characteristics.
Here, as in the above points, a lot depends, including on the neighbors in the row. You can make a comfortable flight from any seat and vice versa.
In addition to the categories of seats presented above, seats can be divided into categories, the choice of which is determined by the individual needs of each person. Thus, a seat by the window will brighten up the flight for those who like to look out the window and enjoy the view of the clouds, but it can become unbearable for people with aerophobia. Also, if you need to frequently go to the restroom, such places will create discomfort both for the passenger himself and for his neighbor. The light from the portholes will disturb the sleep of those who sleep in the dark.
Aisle seats are convenient for those who want to often get up and move around the cabin without disturbing the person sitting next to them.
When boarding from the aisle, you can get to the exit faster. The advantage of these places also lies in the absence of a neighbor on one side. However, passengers and flight attendants passing by may inadvertently touch those sitting in the aisle and disturb them.
It is convenient to sit in the middle for those who do not want to see the porthole and sit right next to the aisle. The disadvantages would be having passengers on both sides and having to stand up to allow those sitting by the window to exit.
Choosing the right seat on a Tu-204 plane
In order for the flight to bring a minimum of inconvenience, you should take care in advance about your preferences in choosing a seat.
The plane's diagram can be visually viewed on the airline's website. Taking into account the above recommendations, the advantages and disadvantages of each landing zone salon, you can choose the seat you need from those available.
This is convenient to do during online check-in or directly at the airport at flight check-in. Airport employees are required to provide free information about the location of seats in the cabin and inform about the availability of unoccupied seats.
If for some reason the seat does not suit you, you can ask the aircraft staff for a transfer, subject to availability of seats.
Pay attention to the location of your window seat relative to the cardinal directions. So you won't be blinded bright sun and you can comfortably watch the flight from the porthole window.
Tu-204- Russian medium-haul passenger aircraft, developed at the end of 1980 - beginning of 1990 at the Tupolev Design Bureau to replace passenger aircraft on airlines. The first flight was made on January 2, 1989, in service since 1994. Produced since 1990 at the Aviastar-SP plant in Ulyanovsk, and also since 1996 at KAPO named after S.P. Gorbunov in Kazan (modification of Tu-214). Foreign analogues: And .
By 2015, it was planned to remove the Tu-204 from production, replacing them with MS-21 aircraft. However, there is a possibility that the production of these aircraft will continue after 2015. In particular, in 2010, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced its plans to supply Red Wings airlines with 44 Tu-204SM aircraft by 2016.
Development of a medium-range passenger aircraft Tu-204 began at the Tupolev Design Bureau in 1973. In the process of working on the new aircraft, many different schemes and layouts were considered. Further development exploratory research was the development of a concept for the development of mainline aircraft by creating 2-3 basic types with further production on their basis by modifying the entire necessary range.
One of these basic aircraft was the Tu-204. The design work was headed by chief designer Leonid Leonidovich Selyakov. Initially it was planned to install 2 NK-8-2U engines on it. The design assumed greater continuity with serial and . Many design solutions were taken from the Tu-134D and Tu-136 projects, the development of which was carried out at that time in the design bureau.
By the mid-1970s the project Tu-204 transformed into an airbus, similar in layout solutions to American plane DC-10. It was distinguished by a fuselage 48 meters long, a moderately swept wing (28 degrees) with powerful mechanization along the entire trailing edge. The D-30A, D-30KU engines, promising turbofan engines and high-pressure turbojet engines were considered as the power plant. The family was supposed to include short-haul Tu-204-100 and Tu-204-150, medium-haul Tu-204-200 and Tu-204-250. Later, in 1977-1978, 2 main directions were considered: the twin-engine Tu-204-200 and the three-engine Tu-204-300.
At the end of 1970, a decree of the USSR Council of Ministers was issued on the creation of new passenger long-haul aircraft. The Tupolev Design Bureau, on the basis of a decree, was entrusted with the development of a medium-range aircraft to replace the Tu-154. In 1979, Leonid Selyakov was officially approved as the leading designer of the Tu-204. Widely used in design computer technology. When choosing a power plant, the choice fell on the promising D-90 engine from the Solovyov Design Bureau.
With the advent of the Boeing 757 and A300 aircraft, the requirements for the aircraft changed - it became twin-engine (by this time the thrust of the D-90A had been increased to 16,000 kgf). The new terms of reference were approved on December 15, 1983.
New aluminum and titanium alloys, as well as composite materials, were used in the design of the aircraft. To reduce the number of joints, long panels were used. An improved sound insulation scheme and new paint and varnish materials were used. All systems are designed based on new principles and with extensive use of digital technology. A lot of effort and attention was paid to the ergonomics of the cockpit.
In 1987, the Ulyanovsk Aviation Plant began preparing serial production. In 1988, the first prototype was manufactured at the ANTK pilot plant Tu-204. On January 2, 1989, he took to the skies for the first time. The bulk of factory testing was completed by December 1993. Without waiting for the end of testing, the Aviastar plant began mass production.
On August 17, 1990, the first production Tu-204 was released. Operational tests of the aircraft took place from March to December 1993 at Vnukovo Airlines. On January 12, 1995, the State Aviation Register of the Russian Federation issued an airworthiness certificate for the Tu-204. On February 23, 1996, Tu-204 made its first flight with passengers on the route Moscow - Mineralnye Vody.
Tu-204 was supposed to become as widespread as its predecessor Tu-154. For a number of reasons (high cost compared to used imported aircraft), this did not happen. Currently, up to 10 airliners are produced per year (together with Kazan Tu-214). In total, since the start of mass production, 62 Tu-204 aircraft of all modifications have been manufactured. As of May 1, 2009, 52 aircraft of the Tu-204 family were in operation.
Airplane Tu-214
Tu-214 is a modification of the Tu-204 with a maximum take-off weight increased to 110.75 tons (103.0 tons for the Tu-204). The maximum payload has been increased to 25.2 tons (21.0 tons for the Tu-204). The aircraft has a cargo modification and is certified according to Russian AP-25 standards. Serially produced by the Kazan Aviation Production Association named after S.P. Gorbunov. The first flight of the Tu-214 was carried out in 1989. Launched into commercial operation in 1997.
Also developed special modifications Tu-214: Tu-214PU (control center), Tu-214SR (relay aircraft), Tu-214SUS (aircraft – communications center) - aircraft for the administration of the President of the Russian Federation, equipped by special means communications, as well as Tu-214ON ( Open sky) - an aircraft with equipment for aerial photography, designed to perform observation flights within the framework of the Open Skies Treaty.
The Tu-204 is built according to the aerodynamic design of a cantilever low-wing aircraft. The swept wing of high aspect ratio is formed by supercritical airfoils. To reduce the induced drag, the wing is given a negative aerodynamic twist and vertical tips are installed.
The wing mechanization consists of double-slotted flaps and slats along the entire leading edge. The landing gear is retractable, tricycle, with a nose strut. Power point consists of two PS-90A turbofan engines. The cockpit is equipped with color displays and central Y-shaped handles with short strokes.
The aircraft and engine control system is fly-by-wire. According to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of JSC Dvigateli Vladimir Klimov, Motor Sich, Colonel General A.P. Sitnov, is the only aircraft of this class in the world that can be landed without engines.
Tu-204 is a passenger airliner with medium range flight, with jet engine. Its development was carried out in the 80s at the Tupolev Design Bureau. It was called upon to replace the obsolete Tu-154. This airliner has quite a lot of modifications, including custom versions and cargo models. Aircraft safety standards are strictly adhered to, and all noise standards are also passed. Based on these parameters, the Tu-204 can be operated all over the world.
History of creation
Initially, it was planned to create an airliner with two engines very similar to the Tu-134. Many design solutions were borrowed from the projected Tu-136. By the 70s, the plane had already become similar to its counterparts from the USA.
In the summer of 1981, the Cabinet of Ministers set the task of developing an aircraft with three D-90 engines, which were considered at that time more economical and promising. However, everything ended with the layout, and no application was found for the project. The design bureau returned to developing a twin-engine version of the aircraft. After this model was completely redone and formed the basis of the future Tu-204.
Watch the video Tupolev Tu 204. Good, but late:
Preparations for serial production of the model began in 1987. IN next year the first one was created prototype model, and a year later the first Tu-204 took off. All test work on the aircraft continued until 1993. The Aviastar company began producing a passenger airliner in 1990. The aircraft received its flight certificate in early 1995.
FirstflightpassedfromMoscowVairportMineralWaters.
Characteristics
Here are the flight technical data of the Tu-204 airliner:
- 2 engines - PS 90A.
- The number of crew members is 3 people.
- Wing area 184.17 sq. m.
- The wingspan is 42 meters.
- The length of the aircraft is 46 meters.
- Height – 13.9 meters.
- Maximum take-off weight – 94.6 tons.
- The empty weight of the aircraft is 58.3 tons.
- Load capacity – 21 tons.
- The optimal speed is 830 km/h.
- The height ceiling is 12.1 km.
- Capacity – 164-210 passengers.
- The maximum flight range is 5900 km.
As we can see, the aircraft has quite good technical data. Let's consider its interior and degree of comfort.
Interior layout
Modifications of the aircraft involve variations in the interior layout of the cabin, as well as different passenger capacity figures.
The basic model of the Tu-204 is capable of carrying 210 people in a single-class configuration. Tu-204-100 is designed to carry from 176 to 194 passengers, Tu-204-300 has 157 seats.
The business salon, naturally, has the most space. However, in economy class an acceptable level of comfort is provided that suits all international standards transportation This was what was achieved when creating the Tu-204 aircraft.
The interior layout formula in the tourist version looks like “3-3”, and in the business version “2-2”, while the aisle width is more than 81 centimeters. In the case of a special order, any execution options are possible, based on the wishes of the customer.
Best places
In the basic configuration, the aircraft's interior can accommodate 210 passengers. However, in different parts of the cabin, comfort and free space differ significantly. Comfort zones can be easily divided into several types.
- 1st row seats- always quite good choice, due to the fact that there are no passengers in front. However, tall people will find it uncomfortable here due to the lack of space between the seats and the partition.
- Seats on rows 9 and 28. The advantage of these rows is that they consist of two seats, which is very convenient for passengers flying together. There is a lot of legroom, but there are a number of restrictions due to the fact that emergency exits are nearby. A certain category of people cannot sit here due to access to emergency hatches. Keep this in mind, because if the passenger fits one of the categories, he will definitely be transferred.
Red Wings interior diagram
The interior layout of Red Wings airliners is economy class only. Passenger capacity is 210 people. If we compare the modification of the Tu-214 from Rossiya, then it can carry 184 people, since it has a business class.
Let's analyze the availability different zones comfort in the Tu-204 airliner of the Red Wings company.
In the front row are good places, with a row missing in front. One of the inconveniences is the proximity of the partition to the seat. It is unlikely that you will be able to stretch your legs here, and such places are clearly not suitable for tall people. For them you need to choose a standard seat with a seat pitch of 81 cm.
The presence of a toilet is also a disadvantage, since almost a hundred people in the cabin will pass by the passenger.
In rows 8 and 27 The seat backs will not recline due to the proximity of the emergency exit.
In rows 9 and 28– paired seating arrangement with enormous legroom. These are some of the most best places for the flight. The only drawback is that it is impossible for certain categories of people to sit here due to the emergency exit being nearby.
In the 10th and 29th row There is a lot of space in front in seats A and F. These seats are the best in this arrangement and are sorted out first when booking.
The most undesirable places will be rows 35 and 36. The seats practically do not recline, the noise due to the proximity of the toilets and other inconveniences repel passengers. If there are problems with air conditioning, it is more stuffy here.
The Tu-204-100S transport aircraft was created as a modification of the Tu-204-100 passenger airliner. The model was equipped with economical PS-90A units, and it is capable of transporting up to 30 tons of payload over a distance of up to 3,900 kilometers, as well as up to 15 tons over a distance of up to 7,200 kilometers.
The cargo aircraft, as well as its PS-90A engines, have the appropriate international certificates for noise and emissions of harmful substances into the environment.
Post office
In 2016, Russian Post launched 2 Tu-204 cargo airliners of the “C” modification, which departed from the Moscow Vnukovo airfield.
Cargo planes received proud names in honor of the emperors of Russia.
- The first ship was named "Peter the Great" and set off on a flight Moscow - Nizhnevartovsk - Yakutsk;
- second aircraft named "Catherine the Second" headed along the route Moscow - Irkutsk - Anadyr.
These aircraft regularly fly to these destinations and transport postal cargo. The liners were purchased by the Russian Post company from the Ilyushin subsidiary under the modernization program. The transaction price was 3.39 billion rubles. To purchase the aircraft, Russian Post assumed loan obligations to Alfa-Bank in the amount of 3 billion rubles for a period of 5 years. These airliners were operated by TransAero and went to the Ilyushin company after bankruptcy proceedings. The large volume of postal transportation led to the creation by Russian Post of its own air fleet cargo planes.
Tu-204S is capable of transporting up to 30,000 kg of mail over a maximum distance of 3,800 kilometers. Cargo liners are provided for postal transportation to the Far North, Siberia and the Far East. Over time it is planned to implement international transport, including to the Asia-Pacific countries.
The board of the Russian Post company noted that the creation of an aircraft fleet is a fundamentally new direction in logistics, reducing the delivery time of items in Siberia and Far East, as well as from other countries in Europe and Asia.
The aviation incident occurred at Vnukovo airport on December 29, 2012. The Red Wings aircraft was operating flight number RWZ9268 on the route Pardubice-Moscow. During landing in Moscow, the airliner left the runway, broke through the airport fence and broke into pieces. Decoding of the flight's black boxes showed that the disaster occurred due to crew error. There were only 8 crew members on board, of which 5 died.
Aircraft price
The cost of the Tu-204 airliner, depending on the modification, ranges from 35 to 45 million US dollars. By the way, this is about 2 times less than competitors from Airbus and Boeing with the same passenger capacity.