Tupolev Tu-330

In 1991 ANTK Tupolev, looking for konversiya projects and noting its succes in using major parts of the Tupolev 88 in order to produce the 104, and of the 95 to produce the 114, decided to scale the efficient wing of the 204 up and down to serve as the basis for a range of derived transport aircraft – Tupolev Tu-330. It had already announced the smaller 334, and it followed with this important cargo aircraft, using almost the same wing, engine pylons, cockpit and avionics as the 204 but with some 334 features and with three inboard spoilers, and scaled up to a span of 47.47m (155ft 9in). In 1993 the Tupolev Tu-330 was scaled down again to 204 size, the span being increased only by the wider body. The circular-section fuselage would be fully pressurised, interior available length being 19.5m (63ft 1in), minimum (floor/ceiling) width being 4.0m (157in) and height also 4.0m (157in) except towards the rear where it tapers to 3.55m (140in).

The engines of Tupolev Tu-330 would be PS-90A turbofans in the 16t (35,273lb) class, though for export various Western engines would be alternatives. Fuel burn would be 140 g/t-km (7.9oz/t-mile). By 1999 it is intended to switch to NK-94 engines burning 20t of LNG in lagged fuel pods hung under the wings. This would increase range to 5,000km (3,100 miles).

Tupolev hope that Tupolev Tu-330 will be built in substantial numbers as the replacement for the An-12 as the standard workhorse freighter throughout the CIS (the rival An-70 being Ukrainian). Production is to be handled by KAPO (Kazan Aircraft Production Association), with the first off the line intended to fly in 1996. In 1995 this programme was fully funded to prototype testing. If the schedule can be kept, certificated aircraft might be available in 1998.

Dimensions and data of Tupolev Tu-330:

Span 43.5m (142ft 85in)
Length 42.0m (137ft 9in)
Wing area 195.5sq m (2,104sq ft)
Maximum payload 35t (77,160lb)
Maximum take-off weight 103,500kg (228,175lb)
Cruising speed 800km/h (497-528mph) at 11,000m
Range 3,000km (1,864 miles) with 30t payload, 5,600km (3,480 miles) with 20t payload
Required runway length 2,200m (7,217ft)