TUPOLEV Tu-44

TYPE: Light utility twin-prop transport.

PROGRAMME: Announced at Moscow, August 2003; joint venture by Tupolev (design) and SKB ATIC (programme management); production jigs by ATIC and Composite-Avia. Four flying prototypes, plus two static/fatigue test airframes, planned for completion in 2004; certification targeted for third quarter of 2005. Twin-float version also planned.

CUSTOMERS: First two aircraft reportedly ordered by unidentified Russian customer by January 2004.

COSTS: Development costs estimated at approximately US$3 million (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Robust passenger and cargo transport suitable for operation from semi-prepared airstrips. Adaptable for paramilitary support, with provision for light armament or weapons on two underwing pylons. High wing braced by single strut each side; taper on trailing-edges. Sweptback fin with fillet; tapered tailplane. Engines attached below inboard wing.

FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Flight-adjustable trim tabs in rudder, each elevator and each aileron. Rudder and elevators horn-balanced. Three-section flaps each side, two inboard components divided by engine nacelle.

STRUCTURE: Metal fuselage main framework; up to 90 per cent of remainder in "modern composite materials" by SKB ATIC; final assembly by VASO at Voronezh.

LANDING GEAR: Tricycle type; fixed. Wide-track cantilever mainwheel legs. Floats for future seaplane version already wind-tunnel tested at CAHI (TsAGI).

POWER PLANT: Two LOM M337C piston engines, each 184 KW (247 hp) and each driving a two-blade propeller. Normal fuel capacity 350 litres (92.5 US gallons; 77.0 Imp gallons). Optional underwing auxiliary tanks for additional 120 litres (31.7 US gallons; 26.4 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION: Pilot plus up to seven passengers. Cargo door port side, behind wing trailing-edge; emergency exits opposite, and above flight deck. Baggage compartment behind cabin.

DIMENSIONS, EXTERNAL:

  • Wing span: 13.40 m (43 ft 11½ in)
  • Length overall: 10.10 m (33 ft 1½ in)
  • Height overall: 4.40 m (14 ft 5¼ in)
  • Wheel track: 3.20 m (10 ft 6 in)

DIMENSIONS, INTERNAL:

  • Cabin: Length: 4.40 m (14 ft 5¼ in)
    • Max width: 1.56 m (5 ft 1½ in)
    • Max height: 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in)
  • Baggage compartment: Length: 1.80 m (5 ft 10¾ in)
    • Max width: 1.20 m (3 ft 11¼ in)
    • Max height: 1.10 m (3 ft 7¼ in)

WEIGHTS AND LOADINGS:

  • Max payload: 600 kg (1,333 lb)
  • Max T-O and landing weight: 2,100 kg (4,629 lb)

PERFORMANCE (estimated):

  • Max level speed: 194 kt (360 km/h; 224 mph)
  • Max certified altitude: 6,000 m (19,680 ft)
  • Range at 167 kt (310 km/h; 193 mph) at FL30:
    • with five passengers: 648 n miles (1,200 km; 745 miles)
    • ferry with normal fuel: 1,187 n miles (2,200 km; 1,367 miles)

The article appears in the following publication:
Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2004-2005. Jane's Information Group Ltd. 2004. ISBN: 0-7106-2614-2

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