Tupolev - Tu-204-100
The programme for the TU-204 started in the mid-eighties as a replacement for the TU-154 medium range airliner. Tupolev designed the aircraft to operate on short and often poorly maintained airstips just like its predecessor. Even so the aircraft design included fly by wire technology and an electronic flight instrumentation system.
The first flight was made on 2nd January 1989 and after successful trials went into active service with Vnukovo airlines in 1994. The TU-204 was also the first Russian airliner to have western engines fitted when the Rolls Royce RB211 was added to the -120 variant in August 1992.
Noteable features for the aircraft include a supercritical wing design, triplex digital fly by wire FCS with analogue standby, triple 3000psi hydraulic system and carbon brakes with anti-skid system. Construction materials included advanced Aluminium-Lithium and Titanium as well as extensive use of composites for the wing roots and panels.
There are numerous variants of the original 204 as listed below, main highlights being the 204-120, fitted with RB211-535 engines and the 204-100C cargo version (the 100F was envisaged as a windowless version).
To Date Models are: T204, 204C, -100, 100C, 100F, 102 (Rockwell Collins avionics), 120, 120C, 200 (additional fuel tank in centre section). The 300 and 400 versions are proposed advanced upgrade versions with shorter fuselage and glass cockpits.
