Tupolev Tu-124

The Tupolev Tu‑124, introduced in 1962, was the Soviet Union’s first short‑range, twin‑engine jet airliner and a direct descendant of the larger Tu‑104. Developed by the Tupolezdesign bureau to meet the growing demand for efficient regional transport, the Tu‑124 made its maiden flight on 29 March 1960 and entered commercial service with Aeroflot the following year. It could accommodate 56 passengers in a narrow‑body cabin and was powered by two Soloviev D‑20 turbofan engines mounted on the rear fuselage, a layout that reduced wing drag and simplified maintenance. The aircraft featured a tricycle landing gear, pressurised cabin, and an advanced (for its era) autopilot system, enabling reliable operation on routes up to 2,500 km. Its relatively low operating costs and short‑haul capability made the Tu‑124 popular on domestic Soviet routes and in allied states, where it served as a workhorse for both passenger and cargo flights. Although production ceased in 1965 after just 164 units, the Tu‑124’s design influenced subsequent Soviet jets, demonstrating the viability of twin‑engine, short‑range jetliners and playing a pivotal role in modernising mid‑20th‑century Soviet civil aviation.

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