Tupolev Tu-114

The Tupolev Tu-114 Rossiya (Russian: Tyполев Тy-114 Poccия) (NATO reporting name 'Cleat') is a turboprop powered long-range airliner designed by the Tupolev design bureau that holds a number of civil aviation records. It was the largest, most capacious and fastest passenger plane of its era, and also had the longest range (10,900 km). It created a sensation when first seen in the west arriving at airports like London, Paris, Tokyo and New York wh... more

The Tupolev Tu-114 Rossiya (Russian: Tyполев Тy-114 Poccия) (NATO reporting name 'Cleat') is a turboprop powered long-range airliner designed by the Tupolev design bureau that holds a number of civil aviation records. It was the largest, most capacious and fastest passenger plane of its era, and also had the longest range (10,900 km). It created a sensation when first seen in the west arriving at airports like London, Paris, Tokyo and New York which did not have staircases high enough to reach its doors. With swept wings and contra-rotating propellers powered by four Kuznetsov turboprops (the most powerful ever fitted), the Tu-114 was able to reach speeds typical of modern jetliners (880 kph). It could accommodate 224 passengers if required, although a more usual number was 170 provided with sleeping berths and a dining lounge. The plane had an excellent safety record, and was only withdrawn from service upon the introduction of the IL-62 jet after carrying over six million passengers... less