Tu-204 is a medium-range passenger jet aircraft. This unit was developed in the 80s in the Department of the Tupolev Design Bureau. With the help of it, the creators intended to replace the Tu-154, which was outdated at that time. There are various modifications of this aircraft: VIP version, passenger, cargo and special. The Tu-204 aircraft meets all safety standards, emissions and noise, so these models can be operated around the world. More on this later.
Design
The Tu-204 aircraft is a free-flying monoplane of a normal design. Its swept wings are located rather low. Two of its turbojet engines are mounted on special pylons. Their locations are under the wings. This gives the model a peculiar style. At the end of each wing there are winglets. This helps to reduce inductance and increase lift. In addition, they are equipped with double-slotted flaps. These are important elements. There are also slats here. They regulate the load-bearing properties of the aircraft. They are located along the leading edge of the wing. The chassis has three legs and a nose stand. The power plant includes RB211-535E4 or 2 PS-90A turbofan engines
History
After the civil aviation of Russia Tu-154 aircraft operated for 2 years, in 1973 in the Department of the design bureau began to work out the future replacement of this model. Initially, a proposal was made to deeply upgrade the Tu-154 and to develop many layouts and various new schemes. In the end, scientists made a choice in favor of a three-engine model with a wide fuselage, which they called the “TU-204” aircraft.
This project was approved by the government in 1981. However, during this process, the designers decided to abandon the tail engine. Then the project was revised. As a result, the current image of the planned aircraft loomed.
During development, scientists actively applied innovative design methods, using electronic computers. In order to choose the optimal aerodynamic layout in certain special pipes, they had to check dozens of layouts. In addition, to reduce weight and increase the strength of this unit, the use of composite materials was carried out . Their share in the mass of this model is at least 14%.
When the design was completed, the TU-204 aircraft began to be mass-produced at the Ulyanovsk DF Ustinov Aviation Industrial Complex. This is a reliable fact. And the first Tu-204 aircraft, the reviews of which were positive, was built in Moscow in a community with a substantial experimental production of the Antonov Aviation Technical Complex. A.N. Tupolev and UAPK.
Test
2 prototypes participated in this process. Special on-board systems of this model were worked out at many stands.
In early January 1989, the initial flight of this aircraft occurred . The Tu-204 plane took off from the Ramenskoye airfield. Based on the results of the tests performed, some improvements were made to the design. Namely, the production technology was improved. At the same time, considerable attention was paid to working out new digital systems. Scrupulousness in this regard led to a positive result. Specialists have developed 23 versions of the on-board automatic control system using the helm. Moreover, each passed a reliability test and numerous flight tests. All this required a long time. In addition, at that time, economic difficulties began in the state. This led to a reduction in program funding. As a result of this, the deadlines for obtaining the necessary documents and tests were increased.
In the 90s, budget funding for this project was completely discontinued. This led to the suspension of certification tests, and the Tu-204, which still had to undergo operational research, was waiting in the wings.
As already mentioned, due to the fact that in the 90s the economic situation in the state deteriorated sharply, the budget for flight tests was almost reset. In order to complete this work, scientists had to take extraordinary steps. For example, they agreed to transport goods for a fee. At the same time, tests were carried out in parallel with commercial flights. This made it difficult to finish financing the project. After hard work, scientists in 1994 managed to get the necessary certificate.
Exploitation
At the end of February 1996, the first flight of the new indicated aircraft was carried out on a commercial basis. The Tu-204 aircraft flew Vnukovo Airlines from the capital to Mineralnye Vody.
It was assumed that the Tu-204 should replace the Tu-154. However, a sudden drop in funding for the aviation industry led to hindrances in the completion of aircraft, and this reduced the speed of production. The result - a small number of models from aviation companies, the high cost of spare parts and maintenance, frequent downtime. All this led to a drop in the competitiveness of this aircraft, especially in comparison with the Western Airbus-320 and Boeing-737, which turned out to be more economical to operate and cheaper.
In the 2000s, at least 10 models were produced each year. As a rule, their consumers were government agencies.
From the moment mass production began, namely in 1990, 75 Tu-204 aircraft of various variations saw the light of day. In February 2013, only 50 air units of this family were actively operated.
Prospects
Initially, in this regard, the Tu-204 was very unlucky. According to the preliminary intention of the designers, they had to make it mass, and it was for its production that they built a completely new plant located in Ulyanovsk. However, as noted above, after the collapse of the USSR, much less money began to be allocated to the needs of the aviation industry. The market economy has changed the planned one. As a result of this, the Tu-204 aircraft were replaced by used Western-made aircraft. In addition, over time, the model is outdated in many respects. One of the reasons that they stopped using it was that the Tu-204 crew consists of 3 people, while most modern aircraft need only 2. This entails the presence of additional costs for maintaining pilots.
Now about 10 of these models are produced per year. Moreover, as a rule, they are popular in the SLO "Russia" and the Air Force. Due to the fact that Ulyanovsk and Kazan aviation plants cannot establish mass production and special services, Tu-204 aircraft do not have a significant demand among most companies. Nevertheless, according to experts, the latest MS-21 model is able to compete with the foreign Boeing 737 vessel. According to recent information, large carriers such as Red Wings and Transaero often reported that they were interested in buying air units of this type. This suggests that the Tu-204 aircraft is quite in demand, experts' reviews of which indicate that it is too early to rank it as a completed stage of aircraft design. UAC and the Ministry of Industry and Trade are investing considerable amounts in these projects, which exist only on paper. These include the MS-21, which expects to enter the line only in 2020.
Description of the technical characteristics of the aircraft "Tu-204"
In this case, the following is taken into account:
- Crew - 3 people.
- Two engines turbofan engines - "PS-90A."
- The wingspan / wing area is 42.0 m / 184.17 m².
- The length / height of the aircraft is 46.0 / 13.9 m.
- Weight: take-off (maximum) / empty - 94 600 kg / 58 300 kg.
- The payload is 21,000 kg.
- Cruising speed is 830 km / h.
- Practical ceiling - 12 100 m.
- The maximum range is 2900 km.
- The presence of traction in 16 140 kgf.
- Weight: maximum take-off / landing - 94.6 t / 47 t; curb model - 58.3 tons
- Commercial permissible loading - 21 t.
- Flight range up to 3700 km.
Modifications
Currently, there are several variations of the specified air unit. Each of them was carefully studied by the creators in order to obtain the desired result. Next, we consider them a little more.
Tu-204
As mentioned above, the take-off mass of this basic version is 94.6 tons. For the first time, this Tu-204 aircraft, the photo of which is provided in this text, took off on August 17, 1990 (scheduled flight). In addition, a cargo version of the model was developed. The layout of the TU-204 aircraft is designed by designers as much as possible. The payload of this equipment does not exceed 30 tons.
Tu-204-100
This option has PS-90A engines and Russian avionics. Its effectiveness is quite large. This is an essential fact. The cabin of the Tu-204-100 aircraft accommodates 210 passengers. The certification of this aircraft took place in the winter of 1995.
Tu-204-200
This model represents a modification of the Tu-204-100. This aircraft is equipped with additional fuel tanks, which are necessary for a longer flight range. In addition, the specialists of the Aviastar Ulyanovsk plant built only one specified unit with the on-board number RA-64036. Now this model is produced in Kazan.
Tu-204-120
Tu-204-120 and Tu-204-220 are respectively modifications of Tu-204-100 and Tu-204-200. They are equipped with western avionics and engines RB211-535E4 (2 × 19 500 kgs) - English-made Rolls-Royce. This innovation was made in order to expand the consumer properties of the model, which first flew in August 1992. The overseas deliveries of the charter airline Cairo Aviaton to Egypt have been carried out on this aircraft since 1998. After that, the indicated Tupolev aircraft, photos of which are available in this text, were delivered to China. The cockpit of this model is made in English. This facilitates deliveries to other states. The specified air unit for the first time in the history of Russian aircraft construction was certified in accordance with certain European standards.
Tu-204-300
This model (previously - “Tu-234”) is shortened by 6 meters in comparison with the basic specific fuselage. This aircraft can accommodate no more than 162 passengers, but it was originally planned to accommodate 142. The seats on the TU-204-300 aircraft are divided as follows: 8 business class and 134 economy. This implementation is important. This emphasizes the peculiar style of this modification of the Tu-204. The best places, of course, will be in business class. This unit was developed in three variations. Their range is 9250, 7500 and 3400 km. As a result, the Tu-204-300 was recognized as the first aircraft with two engines, which can make a flight from the Russian capital to Vladivostok without stopping. The maximum take-off weight of this aircraft is 107.5 tons. The equipment of this model includes: the domestic avionics complex KSPNO-204 and two PS-90A engines. For the first time, the Tu-204-300 took off in August 2003, after which it was demonstrated at the MAKS-2003 aerospace show. It was certified on May 14, 2005. Its serial production was established at the Aviastar Ulyanovsk plant.
Tu-204-300A
These civilian aircraft are used for administrative transportation at a distance not exceeding 9600 km. The model accommodates a total of 26 passengers. Fuel filling - 42 t.
Tu-206
This aircraft is still being developed by experts. It is interesting that liquefied natural gas is used as a fuel in this apparatus. These aircraft began to be produced on the basis of such an aircraft as the Tu-204-100. One of the main problems in this case is the placement of vessels with blue fuel, which requires a considerable amount.
Tu-214
This model is a modification of the Tu-204. The maximum take-off weight of this unit was increased to 110.75 tons, and the size of the commercial load - up to 25.2 tons. The cargo modification aircraft was certified in accordance with the Russian AP-25 standards, which are harmonized with the western FAR-25 and JAR -252. Serial production established in the Kazan Aviation Association. S.P. Gorbunov. The first take-off of this model took place in 1989. These planes of the USSR civil aviation were launched only in 1997. That is, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In April 2010, this aircraft began to be produced exclusively in special equipment. However, they stopped creating it in the commercial version, since it was unprofitable. Although a large carrier, Transaero, became interested in acquiring this unit.
Tu-204SM
This is a deeply advanced Tu-204 aircraft. In comparison with the Tu-204-100, its take-off maximum weight has increased significantly. Also in this model updated avionics. Because of this, the number of crews was reduced to two people, reducing seats on the TU-204 aircraft and leaving the ship without an onboard engineer. This is done in accordance with world practice for models of this class.
In addition, the Tu-204SM aircraft underwent some changes.
- Modernization of turbofan engine "PS-90A2". This was accompanied by a decrease in the life cycle cost and an increase in the overhaul and assigned resources of the units and the main elements (for the hot part - 10,000 cycles, and for the cold - up to 20,000).
- Updated APU "TA-18-200". In this case, the altitude of the launch and operation was increased. New equipment has been introduced that performs the necessary functions that meet certain promising and modern requirements of ICAO and European control.
- The chassis has been upgraded. In the design of this part, all aspects that correspond to the airframe resource were taken into account.
- The aircraft cabin has been improved.
- Reduced crew to 2 pilots.
- Already developed and is awaiting installation of a control system for general aircraft units (SUOSO). Also improved maintenance and diagnostics.
- Modernized systems: energy conservation, hydraulic, fuel and air conditioning.
At the end of December 2010, the TU-204SM flight test fell. It was carried out by Honored Test Pilot Viktor Minashkin. This process went well. However, all the tests of this updated aircraft were carried out with a slight delay. At a press conference, the general director of the aircraft plant Sergey Dementyev told the audience that a test flight of this model was scheduled for December 17, 2010. However, he emphasized that the assembly of this type of aircraft follows a given schedule.
By 2016, Aviastar-SP is planning to manufacture 44 Tu-204SM aircraft intended for the large enterprise Red Wings Airlines. According to preliminary information, at least $ 1.8 billion has been allocated to finance this project.
In mid-January 2012, the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia spoke at the famous Ulyanovsk Aircraft Building Enterprise under the name Aviastar-SP. According to Dmitry Rogozin, certification of the new passenger-type Tu-204SM aircraft will end in June, and from the middle of the year it will be possible to talk about its serial production.
Total
After reviewing the above, everyone can have an idea of exactly what the described aircraft is and what its variations exist. In general, Tupolev aircraft fully comply with certain standards. Currently, air units of this family are in considerable demand. Technical and flight characteristics of the vehicles of this type are at the proper level. However, the developers do not stop there and continue to improve aircraft of this type.