Completion of TU-214 Testing Happens in Syktyvkar
Syktyvkar's Sky Mystery Unraveled Again
Once more, the skies over Syktyvkar were graced by the presence of a Tu-214 aircraft, leaving locals in a state of anticipation. Some even reported the plane attempting to land only to take off again, causing quite the commotion. But fear not, citizen, as it was just another training flight, clearly not the early arrival of a new passenger aircraft.
Upon checking flightradar24.com, it was evident that the Tu-214 had arrived from Kazan, where it was assembled, did a few laps around the airport, and is now on its way back to its original location.
Remember, this isn't the first time a Tu-214 has caught the eyes of Syktyvkar locals. The city witnessed test flights of the updated Russian aircraft as early as April 4 of the past year. In the past three and a half years, the plane with registration RA-64535 was the first brand-new Tu-214 to take flight.
Speaking of updates, the Russian "tushka" is due for a significant makeover, according to inkazan.ru. The Kazan Aviation Plant (KAZ) has set aside an additional 400 million rubles for the modernization of the Tu-214 passenger aircraft. These funds were leftover from previous investments in the charter capital of the United Aircraft Building Corporation (UAC) for the creation of a wide-body long-haul aircraft.
Previously, it was hoped that at least ten aircraft would be released by 2025. But recent updates suggest that KAZ will construct only one Tu-214 this year. Several other Tu-214s are currently awaiting delivery, including orders from S7, Yakutia, YuVT-Aero, Aeroflot, and Russia. The total production planned by 2030 is 115 aircraft.
However, a series of obstacles has cropped up, hindering the production goals. Challenges like labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, continuing plant modernization at KAZ, and division realignments within UAC have complicated the process. As a result, estimates predict that only one or two aircraft will be delivered in 2025, with increased production possible only after the resolution of these issues, expected by 2026.
Moreover, the modernization efforts for the Tu-214 aircraft encompass several vital areas. For instance, the transition from a three-crew to a two-crew cockpit is one key focus. Programs to develop and certify this new configuration are underway, with a testbed aircraft already in operation.
Another important initiative involves the replacement of imported avionics and components with domestically produced alternatives. This transition aims to improve competitiveness in the face of Western sanctions and includes digitalizing documentation, streamlining production processes, and using composites where practical. Lastly, the updated systems are now undergoing certification and rigorous testing.
All in all, while ambitious goals for Tu-214 modernization and increased production exist, the actual number delivered by 2030 is likely to be substantially lower than the initial target, at least in the near future. Nonetheless, keep your eyes to the skies, dear citizens, as progress never ends!
The news of the Russian aerospace industry's modernization plan for the Tu-214 aircraft, announced by inkazan.ru, includes updates such as transitioning from a three-crew to a two-crew cockpit and replacing imported avionics with domestic alternatives. In the finance sector, the Kazan Aviation Plant (KAZ) has allocated an additional 400 million rubles for this revamp, which was leftover from earlier investments in the charter capital of the United Aircraft Building Corporation (UAC) for a wide-body long-haul aircraft project.
