Plane "TU-204": reviews. Civil Aviation Aircraft

"Tu-204" is a medium-haul jet passenger aircraft. This unit was developed in the 80's in the Department of Design Bureau Tupolev. With the help of it, the creators intended to replace the obsolete "Tu-154" at the time. There are various modifications to this aircraft: VIP version, passenger, cargo and special. The Tu-204 aircraft meets all safety, emission and noise standards, therefore these models can be operated all over the world. About this more in detail.

Design

The Tu-204 is a free-carrying monoplane of the normal scheme. His swept wings are located quite low. Two of its turbojet engines are installed on special pylons. The places of their location are under the wings. This gives the model a distinctive style. At the end of each wing there are winglets. This helps reduce the inductive resistance and increase the lift. In addition, they are equipped with double-slit flaps. These are important elements. Also here are the slats. They regulate the bearing properties of this aircraft. They are located along the leading edge of the wing. The chassis has three legs and a nose rack. The power plant includes RB211-535E4 or 2 TRDD "PS-90A"

History

After Russian civil aircraft "Tu-154" had already operated for 2 years, in 1973 the Design Bureau began to work on the future replacement of this model. Initially, a proposal was advanced to deeply modernize the Tu-154 and develop many layouts and various new schemes. In the end, scientists opted for a three-engine model with a wide fuselage, which they called the TU-204 airplane.

This project was approved by the government in 1981. However, during this process, the designers decided to abandon the tail engine. After that the project was reworked. As a result, the actual image of the planned aircraft appeared.

During the development, scientists actively used innovative design methods, while using electronic computers. In order to find the optimal aerodynamic configuration in certain special pipes, they had to check dozens of layouts. In addition, to reduce the weight and increase the strength of this unit, the use of composite materials. Their share in the mass of this model is at least 14%.

When the design was completed, the TU-204 was serially launched at the Ulyanovsk Aircraft Complex named after Ustinov DF . This is a reliable fact. And the first Tu-204 plane, which had positive reviews, was built in Moscow in a community with an experienced substantial production of the ANTK. A. N. Tupolev and the UAOC.

Testing

In this process, 2 prototypes participated. Special onboard systems of this model were practiced at many stands.

In early January 1989, the initial flight of the aircraft took place. The Tu-204 plane took off from the Ramenskoye airfield. Based on the results of the tests, some modifications 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 has led to a positive result. Specialists developed 23 variants of an on-board automatic control system with the help of a steering wheel. Each of them was tested for reliability and numerous flight tests. All this took a long time. In addition, for that period in the state economic difficulties began. This led to a reduction in the funding of the program. As a result, the deadlines for obtaining the necessary documents and tests were extended.

In the nineties, the budget financing of this project was completely discontinued. This led to the suspension of certification tests, and the Tu-204, which still needed to undergo operational research, was waiting for its time.

As it was already said, due to the fact that in the 90s the economic situation in the state deteriorated sharply, the flight test budget was practically nulled. In order to complete this work, scientists had to take extraordinary steps. For example, they agreed to transport cargo for a fee. In this case, the tests were carried out in parallel with commercial flights. This made it difficult to finish financing the project. After diligent efforts the scientists managed to get the necessary certificate in 1994.

Exploitation

At the end of February 1996, the first flight of the new aircraft was carried out on a commercial basis. The Tu-204 plane 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 the amount of financing for the aircraft industry led to interference in the finalization of aircraft, and this reduced the production rate. The result is a small number of models for aviation companies, a 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 in operation and cheaper.

In the 2000s, at least 10 models were produced each year. As a rule, their consumers were state structures.

Since the mass production began, namely since 1990, 75 Tu-204 aircraft of different variations saw the light. In February 2013, only 50 air units of this family are actively operated.

Prospects

Initially, in this respect, the Tu-204 was very unlucky. According to the preliminary design of the designers, it was supposed to be made mass, and it was for its production that a completely new plant was built in Ulyanovsk. However, as it was mentioned above, after the collapse of the USSR, much less money was allocated to the needs of the aviation industry. The market economy changed the planned one. As a result, the Tu-204 aircraft replaced the second-hand machines of the western manufacturer. In addition, over time, the model for many indicators is outdated. One of the reasons that it was not used was that the Tu-204 crew consists of 3 people, whereas most modern aircraft need only 2. This entails the presence of additional costs for the maintenance of pilots.

Currently, about 10 of these models are produced per year. In this case, as a rule, they are popular in the SLO "Russia" and the Air Force. Due to the fact that Ulyanovsk and Kazan aircraft plants can not organize mass production and special services, Tu-204 aircraft do not have a significant demand for most companies. Nevertheless, according to experts, the latest model of "MS-21" is able to compete with a foreign vessel "Boeing-737". According to recent information, large carriers such as Red Wings and Transaero often reported that they are interested in buying air units of this type. This indicates that the Tu-204 is quite in demand, the experts' testimony about which indicates that it is too early to rank it for the passed stage of the aircraft design. KLA and Minpromtorg are investing considerable sums in these projects, which exist only on paper. These include "MS-21", which is expected 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 TRDD - "PS-90A."
• The span / area of the wings is 42.0 m / 184.17 m 2.
• 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.
• The ceiling is practical - 12 100 m.
• The maximum range is 2900 km.
• The presence of traction in 16 140 kgf.
• Weight: maximum takeoff / landing - 94,6 t / 47 t; Equipped model-58.3 tons.
• The commercial allowable load is 21 tons.
• Range of flight up to 3700 km.

Modifications

At present, there are several variations of this air aggregate. Each of them was scrupulously studied by the creators in order to obtain the desired result. Next, consider them a little more.

Tu-204

As already mentioned above, the takeoff mass of this basic variant is 94.6 tons. For the first time this Tu-204, the photo of which was provided in this text, was airborne on August 17, 1990 (scheduled flight). In addition, a cargo version of the model was developed. The scheme of the TU-204 is the most elaborate designers. The commercial load of this equipment does not exceed 30 tons.

Tu-204-100

This option has engines PS-90A and Russian avionics. Its effectiveness is quite high. This is an essential fact. The cabin of the Tu-204-100 airplane accommodates 210 passengers. Certification of this aircraft took place in the winter of 1995.

«Tu-204-200»

This model represents a modification of the Tu-204-100. Equipped with this aircraft additional fuel tanks, which are necessary for a greater range of flight. In addition, specialists of the Ulyanovsk plant "Aviastar" built only one of these units with the number onboard 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 kgf) - the English-made Rolls-Royce. This innovation was made in order to expand the consumer properties of the model, which first took off in August 1992. Foreign deliveries of the charter airline Cairo Aviaton to Egypt have been carried out on this aircraft since 1998. After that, these Tupolev planes, photos of which are in this text, were delivered to China. The cockpit of this model is made in English. This facilitates the supply to other states. This air unit was certified for the first time in the history of Russian aircraft construction in accordance with certain European standards.

Tu-204-300

This model (earlier - "Tu-234") is shortened by 6 meters in comparison with the base fixed fuselage. This aircraft can accommodate no more than 162 passengers, but initially it was planned to accommodate 142. The seats in the TU-204-300 aircraft are divided as follows: 8 business-class and 134-economy class. This introduction is important. This emphasizes the peculiar style of this modification of the Tu-204. The best places, of course, will be in the business class. This unit was developed in three variations. Their flight range is 9250, 7500 and 3400 km. As a result, Tu-204-300 was recognized as the first airplane with two engines, which can fly from the Russian capital to Vladivostok without stopping. The maximum take-off weight of this aircraft is 107.5 tons. In equipping this model there are: the domestic avionics complex KSPNO-204 and two motors PS-90A. For the first time, the Tu-204-300 took off in the air in August 2003, after which it was demonstrated at the MAKS-2003 aerospace show. It was certified on May 14, 2005. The serial production was carried out at the Ulyanovsk Aviastar plant.

«Tu-204-300A»

These civil aircraft are used for administrative transportation for a distance not exceeding 9600 km. The model accommodates a total of 26 passengers. Fuel filling - 42 tons.

Tu-206

This aircraft is still being developed by experts. It is interesting that in this apparatus a liquefied natural gas is used as fuel. 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 considerable volume.

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 commercial load 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 is established in the Kazan Air Association. S. P. Gorbunov. The first take-off of this model took place in 1989. They launched these civil aviation aircrafts in the USSR 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, to create it in the commercial version stopped, because it was unprofitable. Although the purchase of this unit was interested in a major carrier - Transaero.

«Tu-204SM»

This is a deeply improved aircraft "Tu-204". 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 crew was reduced to two, reducing the seats in the TU-204 aircraft and leaving the ship without an on-board engineer. This is done in accordance with the world practice for models of this class.

In addition, the Tu-204SM aircraft underwent some changes.

1. Modernization of TRDD "PS-90A2". This was accompanied by a decrease in the cost of the life cycle and an increase in the between-repair and assigned resources of aggregates and basic elements (for the hot part - 10 000 cycles, and for the cold - up to 20 000).
2. The updated APU "TA-18-200". In this case, the start and run altitude was increased. New equipment was introduced, which performs the necessary functions corresponding to certain prospective and modern requirements of ICAO and European control.
3. The chassis has been modernized. The design of this part took into account all aspects that correspond to the airframe resource.
4. The aircraft cabin was improved.
5. The crew is reduced to 2 pilots.
6. A control system for air-to-air units (EMSOS) has already been developed and is awaiting installation. Maintenance and diagnostics are also improved.
7. Modernized systems: energy conservation, hydraulic, fuel and air conditioning.

At the end of December 2010, the flight test "TU-204SM" fell. It was carried out by a well-deserved test pilot Viktor Minashkin. This process was successful. However, all the tests of this updated aircraft were carried out with a slight delay. At the press conference the general director of the aviation plant Sergey Dementiev told the audience that the test flight of this model was planned for December 17, 2010. Nevertheless, he stressed that the work on the assembly of aircraft of this type follows the set schedule.

The company "Aviastar-SP" already by 2016 plans to produce 44 aircraft "Tu-204SM", intended for a large enterprise Red Wings Airlines. According to preliminary information, no less than 1.8 billion dollars have been allocated to finance this project.

In mid-January 2012 at the famous Ulyanovsk aircraft plant under the name "Aviastar-SP" was made by the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia. According to Dmitry Rogozin, certification of a new Tu-204SM passenger-type aircraft will be completed in June, and from the middle of the year it will be possible to talk about its serial production.

The result

Having familiarized with the aforesaid, everyone can have exactly an idea of what the described aircraft is, and what its variations are. In general, Tupolev's planes fully meet certain standards. At present, air units of this family are in high demand. The technical and flight characteristics of the apparatus of this type are at the proper level. However, the developers do not stop there and continue to improve the aircraft of this type.