Tupolev Tu-114 Cleat CCCP-L5611 (9873564156)

Tupolev Tu-114 Cleat 'CCCP-L5611'

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The Tu-114 was an airliner designed to have an 8,000km range. It used the swept wings, tail and undercarriage of the Tu-95 bomber, mated to a new, fully pressurized fuselage. It could equal jet airliners for max speed, and could carry 224 passengers, although it was usually configured for 170 to give greater luxury. 32 were built and the final aircraft were retired from the Soviet Air Force in 1991. A very reliable type, it also had a very good safety record with only 1 fatal incident (which happened on the ground). This is actually the first prototype of this impressive aircraft. Built in 1957, it was used by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchov on a state visit to the US in 1959. That must have turned a few heads at Andrews AFB! It remained as a test aircraft until retired in 1968. In 1972 it flew to Monino for the museum. c/n 5611. On display outside at the Russian Air Force Museum. Monino, Russia.