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, longer langer gear, four powerful Kuznetsov NK-12MV turboprop engines (each with 14,795 horsepower) – with contra-rotating propellers, and a comfortably spacious cabin.
A flight crew of 5 or 6, and 10 cabin crew would man the Tu-114 on commercial flights. The Rossiya could carry up to 220 passengers, but more typically held 170 while in service with Aeroflot – allowing space for sleeping berths and a dining lounge. Rossiya’s takeoff run was 8,200 feet, while the aircraft’s landing run was 4,600 feet. Tu-114s could attain a maximum speed of Mach 0.78 – 540 miles per hour – in level flight. Cruise speed was closer to 480 miles per hour – still notably faster than much of the competition. With a maximum payload and 60 minutes of reserve fuel, the Tu-114 had a range of 3,300 nautical miles. The service ceiling for the Cleat was 39,000 feet.
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.
