In the early 1950s, the Tupolev design bureau, was instructed by the Soviet government to design a civil airliner with an intercontinental range. Based upon the earlier Tu-95 strategic bomber, the resulting aircraft was the largest airliner constructed to that time, with capacity for up to 220 passengers. It confounded Western experts by being able to fly at speeds similar to those achieved by jet aircraft, whilst still using turboprop technology. The Tu-114 was set a number of records, including the speed record for a turbo-prop aircraft that still stands 50 years later. A total of 31 Tu-114s entered service with Aeroflot, operating both long-distance internal services and international services to cities such as Tokyo, New Delhi and Montreal. Gradually replaced from 1971, the last Aeroflot Tu-114 was withdrawn in 1975. However, a number of the Tu-114s were subsequently converted into AWACS aircraft as the Tu-126 ‘Moss’, for operation with the Soviet navy. This book examines the development and operations of the Tu-114. Illustrated with a fine collection of mono and color archive photographs and detailed line drawings, this is an essential work of reference on an imposing and highly successful airliner.

Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days.

MPB-RS31RETAIL PRICE: $36.95SALE PRICE: $31.40