Tupolev is developing a new version of the Tu-21 aircraft called Tu-214M aircraft. It is planned to be significantly different from the current model produced at the Kazan Aviation Plant. “So!” “What is expected to change? And how it relates to the Boeing-787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350, and who is the first customer.
Last week, “Tupolev” announced the creation of an Innovation Design Center to modernize the Tu-214 medium-range passenger aircraft. Konstantin Timofeev, managing director of “Tupolev,” invited engineers and technologists to join the center through his Telegram channel.
The innovation group will consist of 12-25 specialists. They will work on developing solutions to ensure the “weight optimization” of the Tu-214, increase its flight range, reduce labor intensity during assembly, and more. He stressed that the modernization project should be ready by the end of the year.
The design center will be led by Timofeev. According to him, the results of the new organization’s work should contribute to perfecting and creating the “ideal version” of the Tu-214, as well as increasing production efficiency.
In the video message, Timofeev pointed out drawings of the Boeing-787, Airbus A350, and the new Tu-214 hanging in his office. This suggests that the goal is to expand the range of the Tu-214. While the current Tu-214 has a range of 6,500 km, the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 have ranges of 12 to 14,000 km and at least 15,000 km, respectively. The modernization might target a new niche in the market.
The creative team working on the Tu-214M will focus on several goals:
– Reducing the aircraft’s weight.
– Increasing its range.
– Simplifying the assembly process.
Improving the Tu-214’s weight efficiency is crucial for increasing its range while maintaining payload capacity.
The Tu-214, currently managed by a three-person crew (commander, co-pilot, and flight engineer), might see modifications to eliminate the flight engineer position. Modernizing the aircraft’s systems and components, such as lighter seats and equipment, could help achieve the weight reduction goal.
Fuel efficiency will also be a priority, with possible innovations including advanced paint coatings to reduce drag. Using modern paint materials could also lower maintenance costs by reducing the need for repainting.
The modernization of the Kazan Aviation Plant (KAZ) is one of the largest ongoing projects in Russia’s aviation industry. Nine out of 24 planned facilities are already operational. Tupolev is also negotiating contracts with over 140 companies to support the production of the Tu-214.
Recently, S7 Airlines has expressed interest in purchasing 100 modernized Tu-214M aircraft, signing a memorandum of cooperation with the United Aircraft Corporation. The production of these planes is expected to ramp up, with four aircraft planned for 2025 and seven in 2026, with a total of 115 by 2030.
This order is in addition to the projection from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Tatarstan dated February 12, 2024, which states that the demand for Tu-214 aircraft by 2032 is about 150 units. Of these, firm contracts have been signed for 20 planes, agreements of intent have been signed for 67, and there are applications from potential customers for 61 aircraft.
“The Kazan Aviation Plant, with the support of the President and the government of Russia, is working on the production of Tu-214 passenger aircraft. The goal is to manufacture 20 units per year,” said Oleg Korobchenko, the Minister of Industry and Trade of Tatarstan, in his report.
In February, the general director of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Yuri Slyusar, stated that 115 Tu-214 aircraft are planned to be built by 2030. For this purpose, 92 billion rubles are expected to be allocated over the next two years. According to him, the Kazan Aviation Plant should initially produce 10 passenger aircraft per year, and later increase this to 20.
Aeroflot had planned to purchase the Tu-214, but in June, the company’s head, Sergei Aleksandrovsky, announced plans to cancel the order due to a delay in the aircraft’s delivery date.
The Tatarstan airline UVT Aero has repeatedly stated that it still plans to begin operating Tu-214 passenger aircraft in 2025. The carrier intends to receive four aircraft: two in the fall of next year and the remaining two in 2026.
This month, the UAC press service reported that the JSC State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) will purchase 41 Tu-214 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for 2027-2030.
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