Kazan Aviation Plant named after S. P. Gorbunov

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

Kazan Aviation Plant named after Gorbunov is a leading Russian aviation enterprise specializing in the assembly of strategic bombers, civil and special aircraft. Since 2013, it has been a branch of Tupolev PJSC.

Description

JSC "Kazan Aviation Plant" is located in the capital of Tatarstan - in Kazan. In addition to the main production, it is in charge of the Borisoglebskoye test airfield located nearby. The enterprise played an important role in the country's defense capability. It produced long-range strategic bombers, including those capable of transporting nuclear weapons.

KAZ has a high scientific and production potential. The accumulated experience allows us to take on the development of advanced projects. Within its walls, specialized liners of the highest reliability are assembled for the Executive Office of the President of the Russian Federation, the General Staff, and intelligence agencies.

Workdays

Kazan Aviation Plant was originally created as a branch of the Moscowaircraft factory. The laying of the first shop began in 1932, by 1935 the main structures were erected. At the same time, a motor plant was being built, a residential area "Social Town". However, the repressions that rolled up led to a personnel reshuffle, and the real production of aircraft was only organized in 1938.

The initial plans were grandiose - to collect the giants of the sky ANT-16, ANT-20 ("Maxim Gorky"), ANT-26 (with a 16-ton bomb load and a 95-meter wingspan). However, the plans did not go further than paper. Of the three ANT-20bis heavy aircraft laid down on the stocks in 1936, only by 1939 was it possible to assemble the first of them (with a state order for 18 units). The experience of producing bombers DB-A "Annushka" was also unsuccessful.

For the glory of the Motherland

In 1939, the Kazan Aviation Plant began to master the new model "Machine No. 2" - the future Pe-8 designed by Petlyakov. The long-range 4-engine transport bomber became the main one in the DBA of the Red Army and brought the plant a well-deserved labor victory. Pe-8 (ANT-42) became the first Soviet high-speed high- altitude aircraft of the Flying Fortress class. It had elegant, streamlined shapes, as opposed to the angular "slow-movers" of previous generations.

A little later, the dive bomber of the same designer Pe-2 became the main model for the plant. During the war years, KAZ assembled about 10,000 vehicles. Production worked non-stop, weekends and holidays.

Plant of Strategic Importance

World War II showed the importance of long-range heavy bombersactions capable of paralyzing the infrastructure and production of the enemy. With the development of more powerful bombs, their effectiveness has increased. In the first peaceful years, the Kazan Aviation Plant produced under the brand name Tu-4 a copy of the well-proven American model B-29. However, a piston aircraft with a flight range of just over 5000 km was not continental. Namely, the USA became the main geopolitical opponent of the USSR.

The Tu-16 strategic jet aircraft became a breakthrough, capable of acting both as a bomber and as a missile carrier, reconnaissance, tanker, etc. The speed of 980 km / h and the altitude of up to 13400 m made it quite easy overcome enemy air defense lines. However, its flight range was even less than that of the Tu-4 - 4000 km. It was effective against ship formations, complemented the firepower of the USSR Navy and coastal defense. The first serial apparatus was manufactured at KAZ in 1953. According to statistics, the Tu-16, withdrawn from the Russian Air Force only in the 90s, is the longest-lived aircraft in the world. Its modified counterparts continue to serve in China and a number of other countries.

The next step was the Tu-22 family of long-range subsonic strategic missile carriers. The base model was produced from 1960 to 1966. A total of 311 units were collected. From 1967 to 1990, modifications of the Tu-22M (0-1), Tu-22M2 and Tu-22M3 were made with improved aerodynamics and technical characteristics.

Civil aircraft

In addition to military aircraft, Kazan Aviation Plantmade passenger jet liners. In the early 50s, the government instructed to design an aircraft for the transport of passengers and cargo based on the successful Tu-16 model. As a result, they created the Tu-104, the first jet-powered passenger airliner in the USSR. In 1956, an improved modification of the Tu-110 was created for the party apparatus and general secretaries.

In the 60s, part of the capacity was reoriented to the transport and passenger long-haul Il-62, which replaced the Il-62M. Until 1994, 278 devices of both modifications were manufactured. In the mid-90s, KAZ mastered the Tu-214 model, which was certified in 1997. Now the design bureau is working on projects for the short-haul passenger Tu-324 and transport aircraft Tu-330.

White Swan

1981-18-12 The first flight was made by an unprecedented Tu-160 super-heavy bomber, referred to in NATO as Blackjack. Its unique swept-wing shape resembles a proud, graceful swan in flight. That is why in Russia it is affectionately called the "White Swan".

Although its production was discontinued, the Kazan Aviation Plant. S. P. Gorbunov received an order from the President to resume the assembly of a strategic bomber with improved avionics, new electronic and technical components. The range of almost 14,000 km allows you to hit targets on other continents. Tu-160s form the basis of the aviation component of Russia's "nuclear triad".

Products

Today KAZ performs the following works:

• ModernizationTu-22M3.
• Production, maintenance of Tu-160.
• Production, maintenance of Tu-214 modifications.
• Maintenance of IL-62M.
• Manufacture of special purpose aircraft.
• Development of new aircraft.

Kazan Aircraft Plant remains a recognized authority in the aircraft industry. The merger with Tupolev PJSC accelerates the introduction of new types of aircraft and makes it possible to unify production.