The Tupolev Tu-334 is a Russian airliner currently under development to replace the aging Tu-134s in service around the world. The airframe is based on a shortened Tu-204 fuselage and a scaled-down version of that aircraft's wing. Unlike the Tu-204, however, the Tu-334 has a T-tail and engines mounted on the sides of the rear fuselage instead of under the wings.

Development

Work commenced on the Tu-334 in the early 1990s, but proceeded slowly due to funding problems arising from the break-up of the Soviet Union. A prototype was displayed in 1995, but this was little more than a mock-up with few systems installed. A functional aircraft first flew on February 8 1999, and later that year, agreements were put in place for MiG to undertake part of the production of the airliner.

Since then, development has been slow due to protracted budget problems. In turn, the certification of the aircraft and its entry into serial production has been delayed, with full Russian certification still not obtained. Tupolev has orders from 112 airlines wishing to purchase the aircraft, but as the project's future is far from certain, with the directors of MiG and Rosaviacosmos both alleged to be in favour of cancelling development.

Specifications (Tu-334-100)

General Characteristics

• Crew: two pilots
• Capacity: up to 102 passengers
• Length: 31.26 m (102 ft 6 in)
• Wingspan: 29.77 m (97 ft 8 in)
• Height: 9.38 m (30 ft 9 in)
• Wing area: 83 m² (893 ft²)
• Empty: 30,050 kg (66,250 lb)
• Loaded: kg ( kg)
• Maximum takeoff: 47,900 kg (105,380 lb)
• Powerplant: 2x Progress D436 T1, 73.6 kN (7,500 kgf, 16,500 lb) thrust each

Performance

• Maximum speed: >820 km/h (>510 mph)
• Range: >2,000 km (>1,250 miles)
• Service ceiling: >11,100 m (>36,400 ft)
• Rate of climb: m/min ( ft/min)
• Wing loading: kg/m² ( lb/ft²)
• Power/Mass: kW/kg ( hp/lb)

Related content

Related development: Tu-204

Comparable aircraft: Boeing 717 - Airbus A318 - Sukhoi Russian Regional Jet

Designation sequence: Tu-314 - Tu-324 - Tu-330 - Tu-334 - Tu-336 - Tu-354 - Tu-404