Tupolev Tu-124

The Tupolev Tu-124 is a Russian short range twinjet airliner capable of carrying 56 passengers.

Introduction

Tu-124 is derived from the medium-range Tupolev Tu-104 and developed to meet an Aeroflot requirement for a short to medium-range airliner to replace the Ilyushin Il-14. The Tu-124 was essentially a 75%-scale variant of the Tu-104, and the two were difficult to distinguish from a distance.

Design features

In comparison with the Tu-104, the Tu-124 introduced several aerodynamic refinements including extension of the wing trailing edge roots, double-slotted flaps, automatic lift dumpers, and a large center-section airbrake to improve takeoff and landing performance. The Tu-124 was also fitted with a brake parachute for use in case of emergency landing and low-pressure tires for rough-field operations. It is the first short-range jet aircraft in the world to be fitted with fuel efficient turbofan engines.

Variants

Aeroflot is the customer for majority of the variants. All variants are powered two Soloviev D-20P turbofans giving 23,800 lbf (106 kN) thrust.

Tu-124 / Tu-124V

This is the first production variant. Initially it has passenger capacity of 44, later increased to 48, 52, or 60. The definitive Tu-124V carries 56 passengers. However export demand for Tu-124 is weak as most potential customers awaited the improved Tupolev Tu-134.

Modified Tu-124V airframes fitted with better D-20P-125 turbofan engines are designated as Tu-124B

Tu-124K / Tu-124K2

This is VIP configuration with Tu-124K seating 36 and the K2 seating 22. They were operated by the Indian Air Force and the militaries of Iraq and China.

Other variants

In addition to civilian versions, the Tu-124 has few military variants including Tu-124Sh-1 and Tu-124Sh-2 which are used as flight navigator trainers.