Tupolev Tu-154

The Tupolev Tu‑154 is a three‑engine, medium‑range airliner designed by the Soviet design bureau Tupolev and produced from 1968 to 2013. Its first flight took place on 28 October 1968, and the type entered commercial service with Aeroflot in 1970. The Tu‑154 was built in several variants, the most common being the B and M models, which feature upgraded avionics, more efficient Soloviev D‑30 turbofan engines, and increased maximum take‑off weight. With a low‑wing configuration, a T‑tail, and a rugged landing‑gear system, the aircraft could operate from unpaved runways and in extreme climate conditions, making it ideal for the vast and varied Soviet Union. Over 1,000 Tu‑154s were delivered to airlines across the Eastern Bloc, the Middle East, Africa, and later to Western carriers after the Cold War. The airliner became a workhorse for passenger, cargo, and government transport, symbolizing Soviet aviation ambition. Its long service life, reliability in harsh environments, and role in connecting remote regions cement its legacy as one of the most recognizable Soviet jetliners of the jet age. Despite several high‑profile accidents, the Tu‑154’s safety record improved after extensive retrofits, and many aircraft now serve as museum pieces or VIP transports, preserving its historical importance.

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