Today in Aviation History-The Rooskies win the battle for the biggest and fastest…for a while

Today In Aviation History: First Flight of the Tupolev Tu-114 Rossiya

Story by Austin Hancock

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Space was a race between the Soviets and Americans midway in the 20^th Century, but so was the battle of socialist ideas and ideals vis-à-vis western capitalist ideas and ideals, nuclear technology (and technology in general), and even who had the best passenger aircraft.  The Soviets could legitimately claim, for a while at least, the best in this passenger aircraft category of our battles, represented by the iconic Tupolev Tu-114.

The Tupolev 114 at Schiphol, Netherlands, in 1964. Photo Hugo van Gelderen / Anefo / Wikipedia

“On this day in aviation history, 68 years ago (November 15, 1957), the Tupolev Tu-114 Rossiya flew for the first time. Recognized by NATO as the Cleat, the Tu-114 was a Soviet long-range turboprop airliner. At the time of the aircraft’s peak, the Tu-114 was the biggest and fastest passenger hauler in service. Since 1960, the Tu-114 has held the title of “Fastest Propeller-Driven Aircraft.” Additionally, the Rossiya had the longest range of its contemporaries. Tupolev designed the Tu-114 with swept wings, which, when combined with the powerful Kuznetsov turboprop engine, gave the aircraft the ability to fly at speeds reached by jetliners of the time. The Cleat began development after Order No. 571 from the Council of Ministers and Ministry of Aircraft Production – Directive No.1561-868. Issued in August of 1955, this order called for a large and fast airliner, capable of flying long ranges. Tupolev set to work immediately, adding advanced features to their airliner as development progressed. Swept wings, four powerful Kuznetsov NK-12MV turboprop engines (each with 14,795 horsepower) – with contra-rotating propellers, and a comfortably, spacious cabin.

Aeroflot Tu-114 at Tokyo Haneda Airport. The aircraft was jointly-operated with Japan Airlines on flights from Japan to Europe via Moscow. Photo via Aviation Photography of Miami

“Tupolev built 32 Tu-114s between 1958 and 1963. In addition to flying with Aeroflot, Rossiya also served with Japan Airlines, who were associated with Aeroflot and the Soviet Air Forces. The Tu-114 was introduced into service on April 24, 1961, and retired in 1977. A handful of Tu-114 examples are known to survive today. Three aircraft are on display in museums located in both Russia and Ukraine.”

Tu-114 at Monino Museum. Photo by Bernhard Gröhl

Onward and upward!

Sources:  Today in Aviation History

Sources:  Today in Aviation History