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The Tupolev 204 – seen as the successor of the Tu-154 – completed its first flight on January 2nd 1989. The aircraft features the latest standards – a two-man EFIS cockpit, fly-by-wire steering and a construction that includes a lot of composite materials. To be able to sell the aircraft in Western countries as well, there is a Rolls-Royce RB211-535 equipped version next to the standard aircraft with PS-90 engines. The cabin has room for 212 passengers.
Aside from the Tu-204, there is also the Tu-214 with increased takeoff weight. The Rolls-Royce powered version of this type runs as Tu-224. A stretched version named Tu-234 was built as well, yet due to Tupolev's financial struggles it hasn't flown until today. Most GUS airlines share these financial struggles with Tupolev – certainly one of the main reason why the Tu-204 has a hard time selling, even at home.
© LK
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