Tupolev Tu-134 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tu-134 |
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| Tu-134 of Kosmos Airlines in 2008 | |
| Role | Airliner |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Tupolev |
| First flight | 29 July 1963 |
| Introduction | September 1967 |
| Status | In limited use |
| Primary users | Aeroflot (historical) Soviet Air Force (historical) Air Koryo Alrosa-Avia |
| Produced | 1966–1989 |
| Number built | 854 (852 + 2 prototypes) |
| Developed from | Tupolev Tu-124 |
The Tupolev Tu-134 (known as "Crusty" by NATO) is a famous twin-engine jet airplane. It was built in the Soviet Union by a company called Tupolev. This airplane was designed to carry passengers on short and medium-length flights. It first flew in 1963 and became a common sight in the skies, especially in Eastern Europe.
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What is the Tu-134?
The Tupolev Tu-134 is a type of airliner. This means it was mainly used to fly people from one city to another. It was one of the most popular planes made in the Soviet Union. It was known for its unique design and its ability to fly in different weather conditions.
How it Was Designed
The Tu-134 was developed from an earlier plane called the Tupolev Tu-124. Designers at Tupolev wanted to create a more modern and efficient jet. They decided to place the engines at the back of the plane, near the tail. This design helped make the cabin quieter for passengers.
The plane has two powerful jet engines. These engines give it the thrust needed to fly fast and high. The wings are swept back, which is a common design for jet aircraft. This helps the plane fly smoothly at high speeds.
Special Features of the Tu-134
One interesting feature of some Tu-134 models is their "glass nose." This means the very front of the plane was made of clear glass. It allowed a navigator to sit there and help guide the plane. This was common on older Soviet aircraft but is rare on modern passenger planes.
The Tu-134 also has large windows, which gave passengers a good view. It was designed to be reliable and easy to maintain. This made it a favorite for many airlines.
Where the Tu-134 Flew
The Tu-134 was first introduced in September 1967. The main airline that used it was Aeroflot, the national airline of the Soviet Union. It flew millions of passengers across the Soviet Union and to other countries.
Other Users of the Plane
Many other airlines in Eastern Europe also used the Tu-134. Countries like East Germany, Poland, and Hungary had these planes in their fleets. It was also used by the Soviet Air Force for various tasks, including training pilots and navigators.
Even today, a few Tu-134s are still in use. Some are used by airlines like Air Koryo and Alrosa-Avia. Others are used for special purposes, like transporting government officials or for training.
Production and Legacy
The Tu-134 was built for many years, from 1966 to 1989. During this time, a total of 854 planes were made. This includes two special test planes called prototypes. Its long production run shows how successful and important this aircraft was.
The Tu-134 played a big role in air travel during the Cold War era. It helped connect many cities and countries. Even though it is an older design, it is remembered as a strong and reliable airplane. It helped many people travel safely for decades.
Images for kids
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Tu-134UBL cockpit
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Looking through the nose of an Aeroflot-Nord Tu-134 (2009)
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Tupolev Tu-134A with its radar and glass nose
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Tu-134A of the Hungarian People's Republic at Helsinki Vantaa Airport in 1978.
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Tu-134Sh-2 Marina Raskova tactical navigator trainer, on display at 1449th Air Base Tambov
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See also
In Spanish: Túpolev Tu-134 para niños
