Tupolev Tu-444

The Tupolev Tu‑444, a product of the Russian aerospace giant Tupolev, emerged from a decade‑long effort to restore the nation’s presence in the high‑speed civil market. Development began in 2018 under the codename “Project Aurora,” with the aim of creating an ultra‑efficient, supersonic transport that could compete with Western concepts while meeting stringent environmental standards. The prototype rolled out in late 2022 and performed its maiden flight on 14 March 2024, marking the first supersonic passenger launch from Russian soil in more than half a century.

Key features of the Tu‑444 include a sleek, diamond‑shaped fuselage built from advanced carbon‑fiber composites, which reduces weight and drag. It is powered by two next‑generation low‑bypass turbofans equipped with adaptive inlet geometry, delivering a cruise speed of Mach 2.1 and a range of roughly 8 000 km. An integrated hybrid‑electric system supplies auxiliary power and enables short‑haul electric‑only operation, cutting fuel burn by up to 30 percent compared with legacy designs. The aircraft also incorporates a full‑fly‑by‑wire control suite, active aeroelastic tailoring, and a state‑of‑the‑art avionics suite that supports augmented reality cockpit displays.

The Tu‑444’s significance lies in its blend of speed, sustainability and modern Russian engineering, signaling a revitalized commitment to supersonic travel and reaffirming Tupolev’s legacy as a pioneer of advanced aeronautics.