Modifications and specifications of the Tu-154

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

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 the days of the USSR for passenger transportation, however, even now these aircraft are in operation by some airlines. The characteristics of the Tu-154 make it possible to use it even after almost 50 years of development. And although the liner is outdated by modern standards, at one time it was one of the best aircraft in the world.

Technical characteristics of Tu-154

In terms of aerodynamics, this is a swept-wing monoplane. The power plant is represented by three engines located in the tail section. The chassis has three struts, including the bow. The crew consists of four people.

As for the flight performance of the Tu-154, they are as follows:

1. Length: 47.9 m.
2. Wingspan: 37.6 m.
3. Maximum takeoff weight: 98-100 tons
4. Fuel consumption: 6.2 t/h
5. Maximum landing weight: 78 tons
6. Fuel capacity: 39.8 tons
7. Empty weight: 51 t.
8. Max flight altitude: 12.1 km.
9. Passenger capacity: 152-180 people.
10. Cruising speed: 900 km/h.
11. Length of run: 2.3 km.
12. Maximum speed: 950 km/h.
13. Flight range with maximum load: 2650 km.
14. Engines: 3x10 500 kgf NK-8-2.

It is worth noting that such 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 ways.

Modifications

At least 13 existing modifications can be identified:

1. Tu-154, the technical characteristics of which are indicated above. This liner was mass-produced from 1971 to 1974. It was originally used to deliver mail.
2. The Tu-154A modification received additional fuel tanks and upgraded engines, which made it possible to increase the flight range. In addition, in this model, the wing and hull shapes were finalized, due to which the liner gained better aerodynamic characteristics.
3. Tu-154B is a version of this aircraft with a reinforced wing, additional fuel tanks and increased passenger capacity in the cabin. The reinforced wing structure allowed more cargo to be taken on board. The autopilot has also been improved here.
4. Tu-145B-1 received improved on-board electronics and a larger passenger capacity.
5. Tu-154LL is a unique modification of the liner,which was converted into a flying laboratory in order to test the Buran spacecraft.
6. Tu-154M is a model that includes a huge number of changes. In particular, this aircraft is more economical than the original version, has better aerodynamic properties, a higher takeoff weight and a new avionics system.
7. Tu-154M2 - modification appeared after 1990. It was assumed that quieter and more economical engines would be used here, which would further increase the flight range and reduce the noise level in the cabin. But such an aircraft was not put into production.
8. Tu-154M100 - these liners were the first to use a Western integrated avionics system. The plane itself received an improved interior, more comfortable seats for passengers.
9. Tu-145ON is a special aircraft that was used to fly over the countries participating in the Open Skies programs.
10. Tu-154M-LK-1 - a flying laboratory for the training of cosmonauts of the Center. Gagarin.
11. Tu-154S is a cargo liner. May also have the designation Tu-154T.
12. Tu-155 is a prototype 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 room for modifications and improvements. Therefore, the technical characteristics of the Tu-154 changed over time. Already in 1975, the designers were able to increase the aircraft's carrying capacity, passenger capacity, and eveninstall powerful NK-8-2U engines instead of the old NK-8-2.

Features

Some pilots of the Tu-154 note that this aircraft is rather complicated for a passenger liner. It requires high professionalism of the pilot and staff. The unusual location of the engines in the tail section reduces the noise level in the cabin and the turning moment in case of failure of one of them. At the same time, this can create problems with stabilizer shadowing and rear centering. This can cause surge and engine failure.

Use today

Production of aircraft 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), North Korea (2), Kyrgyzstan (3), Uzbekistan (3). In Russia, there are about 15 Tu-154 aircraft in the fleet of various airlines. At the end of 2014, UTair retired 24 aircraft and replaced them with Airbus A321.

Conclusion

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 aircraft are inferior to those of Western companies. This means that his time in the air travel marketcame to an end. Almost all airlines, including low-cost airlines, use Airbus and Boeing aircraft.