Tupolev Tu-204
Introduction
The Tupolev Tu-204 is a twin-engined medium range Russian airliner capable of carrying 212 passengers. It is broadly equivalent to the Boeing 757. It was developed for Aeroflot as a replacement for the medium range [[Tupolev Tu-154]] trijet.
Technology
It is the first of the new generation Russian airliners, the other being the Ilyushin Il-96. It features many technological innovations such as
- fly-by-wire
- glass cockpit, available in both Russian and western varieties
- advanced supercritical wings fitted with winglets
- advanced weatern avionics
- the first to use western engines, Rolls-Royce RB211-535
Variants
Tu-204-100/200
This is the initial version, powered by 35,600 pounds thrust Soloviev (now Aviadvigatel) PS90 turbofan. It uses Russian powerplants and avionics. It was certified in January, 1995. The Tu-204-200 is a heavier version with extra fuel for more range. The Tu-204-100C and Tu-204-200C are the cargo versions of the -100 and -200 respectively, fitted with forward main deck freight door. Currently the Tu-204-100/200 is offered with the option of uprated Aviadvigatel PS90-A2 turbofan, which promises 40% longer period between overhauls.
The Tu-204-100 has a maximum take-off weight of 103 metric tons and range with 196 passenger in 2-class configuration is 2,500 nautical miles
Tu-204-120/220
In order to broaden the product appeal, the Tu-204-120/220 features western avionics and engines. It is powered by 2 43,100 pounds thrust Rolls-Royce RB211-535 engines. Air Cairo of Egypt became the launch operator when it took delivery of a Tu-204-120 and its cargo version the -120C, in November 1998. The Tu-204-220 and -220C, cargo version, is a higher gross weight variant of the basic Tu-204-120.
The Tu-204-120 has a maximum take-off weight of 103 metric tons and range with 196 passenger in 2-class configuration is 2,500 nautical miles.
Tu-204-300
It is a shortened, longer range derivative of the Tu-204. It is about 20ft shorter than the basic Tu-204. It is available in 2 version; the longer ranged heavier version powered by Aviadvigatel PS90-A2 turbofan has a maximum take-off weight of 103 metric tons and range with 166 passengers increases to 5,000 nautical miles and the lighter shorter ranged version with a maximum take-off weight of 89 metric tons and range with 166 passengers is 1,900 nautical miles. Russian airliner Transaero is the launch customer.
Tu-204-500
This is a version of Tu-204-300 optimized for shorter routes, featuring smaller wings, increasing cruising speed to Mach 0.84, making it a competitor to Next Generation Boeing 737. It is ETOPS rated and fitted with Honeywell 331-200ER APU.
Tu-214
The Tu-214 is a higher weight, longer range version of the Tu-204-100. Its maximum take-off weight of 111 metric tons and range with 196 passenger in 2-class configuration is 2,700 nautical miles and powered by 2 Aviadvigatel PS90 turbofans. It entered airline service in May 2001. Tupolev has also proposed VIP versions.