The Tupolev Tu-204 is a medium range narrowbody twinjet and was the first Russian airliner to fly with western engines.
Tupolev began development of the Tu-204 to meet an Aeroflot requirement for a replacement for the medium range Tu-154 trijet. This all new twin featured a supercritical wing, while engine designer Soloviev (now Aviadvigatel) specifically developed the PS90 turbofan. Other Tu-204 design features include fly-by-wire and a six screen EFIS flightdeck. First flight was on January 2 1989.
The Tu-204 is offered in a number of models. The base model is the Tu-204, while the Tu-204100 and 200 have higher max takeoff weights, more fuel and greater range. The Tu-204C and Tu-204-100C are freighters fitted with a forward main deck freight door, the Tu-214 is a combi convertible development.
Tupolev was keen to develop a westernised development of the Tu-204 to broaden the type's market appeal, resulting in the RollsRoyce RB211535 powered Tu-204120, which first flew on August 14 1992. All but the first five feature Honeywell's VIA 2000 EFIS avionics suite.
Rolls-Royce powered variants include the Tu-204-120C freighter, 122 with Rockwell Collins avionics, increased weight 220 and equivalent cargo -220C, and the -222 with Collins avionics. Air Cairo of Egypt became the launch operator when it took delivery of a Tu-204-120 and -120C in November 1998.
Tupolev is also developing shortened developments of the Tu-204, the 166 seat RB211-535E4 powered Tu-224 and 158kN (35,580lb) PS90P powered Tu-234. The Tu-234 prototype (converted from the Tu-204 prototype) was publicly displayed at the 1995 Moscow Airshow. Lack of funding has delayed first flight.
Other proposed developments include a Pratt & Whitney PW2240 powered model, a business jet and a maritime patrol platform.
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