The Tupolev Tu-404, designed by aerospace manufacturer Tupolev in 1991, was Russia’s largest airliner ever created. With its eye-catching design reminiscent of modern military aircraft and passenger aircraft prototypes, it promised to revolutionize the passenger operations market.
The Tu-404 could carry 1,214 passengers with a range of nearly 13,500 km. Its ambitious project aimed to help the Soviet Union master the wide-body passenger aircraft market. The giant body of this model could hold 1,214 passengers in six compartments. Most of the fuel was stored in wing tanks. The two large wings had a leading edge sweep of 35 degrees and huge control surfaces.
The single-wing Tu-404 version operated thanks to six turboprop engines located in the tail, nestled between two large V-shaped vertical stabilizers. Each engine produced nearly 18,000 kg of thrust during takeoff. Despite its advanced design, the Tu-404 faced major technical, economic, infrastructure and market challenges that made it unattainable for production after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Large airports at the time did not have the necessary infrastructure to handle such large aircraft and airlines were not enthusiastic about operating a 1,200 passenger aircraft due to its costs and burden associated with operating such an aircraft on their routes.
However, despite never entering service as an operational aircraft, the Tupolev Tu-404 remains an interesting design that showcases innovation and ambition in aerospace engineering. It leaves behind a mark in aviation history as a bold attempt to push boundaries beyond what was considered possible at the time.
Overall, this fascinating design is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity in aviation technology and innovation.
