Tupolev ANT-14

The Tupolev ANT‑14, often referred to as the “Moscow Imperial,” was a pioneering Soviet airliner that first took to the skies in 1932. Although the design originated in the Tupolev bureau, production responsibility was assigned to the team led by Vladimir Petlyakov, whose engineering expertise proved crucial in transforming the concept into a operational aircraft. The ANT‑14 featured a sleek, all‑metal monocoque fuselage, a high‑wing configuration, and three powerful Gnome‑Rhône radials mounted on the wing’s leading edge, delivering a combined output of roughly 1 800 hp. Its spacious cabin could accommodate up to 36 passengers, a capacity unprecedented for the era, and was equipped with heating, sound‑proofing, and a refined interior finish that set new standards for passenger comfort. The aircraft’s robust landing gear and sturdy construction allowed it to operate from rough Soviet airfields, demonstrating remarkable reliability in harsh weather. Though only a handful were built, the ANT‑14 marked a decisive step toward large‑scale commercial aviation in the USSR, influencing later designs such as the ANT‑20 “Maxim Gorky” and cementing Petlyakov’s reputation as a leading figure in Soviet aerospace development.

Vladimir Petlyakov

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Design & Classification