Tu-154M Jet Passenger Plane |
Key Information
- Official Name: Tu-154M
- Contractor: Tupolev
- Number in Service: 16
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Summary
The PLA Air Force (PLAAF) operated 16 Russian-made Tupolev Tu-154M (NATO codename: Careless) jet passenger planes for both governmental and scheduled commercial flights during the 1990s. These aircraft carried the four-digit civil aircraft register number (B-4XXX) and the livery of the China United Airlines (CUA), the former commercial branch of the PLAAF in operation between 1988 and 2003. Following the PLA’s withdrawal from the commercial activities in 2003, these aircraft were returned to the 34th Air Division based at Nanyuan Airport in Beijing. Some of the aircraft have already been grounded, while the rest are still flying for training purpose. At least four planes (B-4138, B-4015, B-4024, and B-4029) have been converted into electronic intelligence (ELINT) aircraft designated by the PLAAF as Tu-154M/D.
The Tu-154M was introduced by the Tupolev Design Bureau in 1982 as an improved variant of the Tu-154 first introduced in the early 1970s. The major change on the Tu-154M included the far more economical, quieter and reliable Soloviev (now Aviadvigatel) D-30KU turbofans. CAAC imported a large number of the Tu-154M in the 1980s but none of these planes are still in operation with commercial airlines today.
These Tu-154Ms have been identified as: B-4001, B-4003, B-4004, B-4014, B-4015, B-4016, B-4017, B-4022, B-4023, B-4024, B-4027, B-4028, B-4029, B-4050, B-4051, B-4138.
Specifications
- Flight crew: 5
- Dimentions: Wingspan 37.5m; Length 47.9m; Height 11.40m
- Weight: Empty 55,300kg; Normal take-off 100t
- Payload: 14 tonnes
- Powerplant: Three Aviadvigatel (Soloviev) D-30KU154II turbofans,
each rated at 103.6kN (23,380lb)
- Speed: Maximum cruising speed 950km/h
- Range: (With maximum payload) 3,700km; (with maximum fuel
and 5,450kg payload) 5,500km
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Last updated: 7 October 2008 |
