Tupolev readies as Russian government moves on twinjet airlifter

The Russian defence ministry is to issue the specification for the Tupolev Tu-330 twinjet airlifter "within weeks", says Tupolev chairman and general designer Igor Shevchuk. The long-awaited programme is now "one of the top priorities" for the design bureau, he adds.

The Kazan aircraft factory, KAPO, which is intending to build the Tu-330, has received financial support from the Tatarstan regional government. KAPO is also investing its own funds in the Tu-330.

Shevchuk says Tupolev is finalising design documentation and "all the necessary drawings have been delivered to KAPO to start setting up the assembly line". The Tu-330, intended replacement for the Antonov An-12 and the IlyushinIl-76, has 70-75% commonality with the Tu-214 airliner already in production at KAPO, with the two sharing a cockpit, wing and systems. The Tu-330's major difference is a wider, 350m3-volume fuselage and a rear ramp. It is optimised to carry 25,000kg (55,070lb) over 6,000km (3,250nm). Initial production aircraft will be powered by the Aviadvigatel PS-90A, but a switch to the Kuznetsov NK-93 propfan is planned.

The proposed Tu-330 unit price is similar to the Tu-214 airliner's at $25 million, as against $50-60 million for the Antonov An-70 - the other new airlifter attracting Russian air force attention.

Source: Flight International