Tupolev is a prominent Russian aerospace and defense company with a long history of designing and manufacturing military and civilian aircraft. The company has been involved in the development of bombers, airliners, and reconnaissance aircraft, among others. Here’s an overview of some notable Tupolev aircraft and their production numbers:
Civilian Aircraft
-
Tupolev Tu-104: The first Soviet jet airliner to enter service, based on a military bomber design.
- Production: Approximately 201 units. It was one of the world's earliest jet airliners and served primarily with Aeroflot.
-
Tupolev Tu-114: A long-range turboprop airliner, based on the Tu-95 bomber.
- Production: Around 32 units. The Tu-114 was notable for being the largest and fastest propeller-driven aircraft ever built.
-
Tupolev Tu-134: A twin-engine, narrow-body jet airliner designed for short to medium-haul flights.
- Production: Approximately 854 units. It was widely used by Soviet and Eastern Bloc airlines and is notable for its characteristic glazed nose.
-
Tupolev Tu-154: A three-engine medium-range airliner, which became one of the most important and widely used aircraft in the Soviet Union.
- Production: About 1,026 units. The Tu-154 served extensively with Aeroflot and other airlines across the Soviet Union and beyond.
-
Tupolev Tu-204/Tu-214: A twin-engine, narrow-body jet airliner designed for medium-range flights, intended to replace older models like the Tu-154.
- Production: Over 80 units, including both the Tu-204 and the slightly upgraded Tu-214 variants. The aircraft has seen limited use compared to its predecessors but remains in service.
Military Aircraft
-
Tupolev Tu-2: A World War II-era twin-engine bomber.
- Production: Approximately 2,527 units. It was one of the most successful Soviet bombers during the war.
-
Tupolev Tu-16: A twin-engine jet bomber, known as "Badger" in NATO reporting.
- Production: About 1,509 units. The Tu-16 was used extensively for various roles, including as a bomber, maritime strike aircraft, and electronic warfare platform.
-
Tupolev Tu-95: A long-range strategic bomber and missile platform, known for its distinctive turboprop engines and swept wings.
- Production: Approximately 500 units, including various versions. The Tu-95, codenamed "Bear" by NATO, remains in service, notably for long-range patrol and reconnaissance missions.
-
Tupolev Tu-22M: A supersonic, variable-sweep wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber.
- Production: Around 497 units. Known as "Backfire" in NATO terminology, the Tu-22M continues to be a key component of Russia's strategic bomber fleet.
-
Tupolev Tu-160: A supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber, the largest and heaviest combat aircraft in service.
- Production: Approximately 36 units. The Tu-160, known as "Blackjack" by NATO, is a critical element of Russia's long-range aviation capabilities and is undergoing modernization.
-
Tupolev Tu-22: A Soviet supersonic bomber developed in the 1950s.
- Production: About 311 units. It was primarily used for strategic bombing and reconnaissance.
Experimental and Specialized Aircraft
- Tupolev Tu-144: The world's first supersonic transport aircraft (SST), developed in parallel with the Concorde.
- Production: 16 units, with only a few entering service before the program was canceled due to safety concerns and economic factors.
Current Developments and Legacy
Tupolev continues to operate under the United Aircraft Corporation, focusing on maintaining and modernizing its existing fleet, particularly its strategic bombers like the Tu-160 and Tu-95. The company also works on developing new variants and potential new designs to meet both military and civilian aviation needs.