Tupolev Tu-154

The Soviet trijet built for high-speed regional and domestic routes.

Overview

Tupolev Russia ICAO: T154 1968–2013 Active $45 million (2008)

The Tupolev Tu-154 is a three-engine narrow-body jet developed for medium-range operations. Introduced in the early 1970s, it became one of the most widely used airliners in the Soviet Union. The aircraft was designed for operation from rugged airfields.

Live Fleet Activity (T154)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
3 × Aviadvigatel (Soloviev) D-30KV-154
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
3 × 23,149 lbf · 103 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
180 economy · 114 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
11 ft 9 in  ·  3.58 m
Cabin height
6 ft 8 in  ·  2.02 m
Cabin length
90 ft 1 in  ·  27.45 m
Exterior length
157 ft 6 in  ·  48.00 m
Tail height
37 ft 5 in  ·  11.40 m
Fuselage diameter
12 ft 6 in  ·  3.80 m
Wing span
123 ft 2 in  ·  37.55 m
Baggage volume
1,342 ft³  ·  38.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
225,000 lb  ·  102,000 kg
Max landing weight
176,500 lb  ·  80,000 kg
Max payload
39,700 lb  ·  18,000 kg
Fuel capacity
13,100 gal · 49,600 L · 39,700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
513 kt  ·  590 mph  ·  950 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
130 kt  ·  150 mph  ·  241 km/h
Range
3,600 nm  ·  4,140 mi  ·  6,670 km
Fuel burn
0.26 nm/gal  ·  0.13 km/L
Ceiling
39,700 ft  ·  12,100 m
Rate of climb
3,000 ft/min  ·  15 m/s
Takeoff distance
7,550 ft  ·  2,300 m
Landing distance
6,900 ft  ·  2,100 m
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CSA Czech Airlines -Tupolev 154M ‘OK-UCF’

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Operational Context

Tupolev Tu-154 — three-engine medium-range jetliner

The Tu-154 first flew in 1968 and entered service in 1972. It featured a swept wing and T-tail with three rear-mounted engines. The design emphasized durability and performance in challenging weather and infrastructure conditions.

Powered by three Kuznetsov or Soloviev turbofan engines producing approximately 22,000 pounds of thrust (98 kN) each depending on variant, the Tu-154 cruised at around 500 knots (925 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 220,000 pounds (100,000 kg) in later versions. Passenger capacity typically ranged from 150 to 180.

The Tu-154 served as a backbone of Soviet and later Russian domestic aviation. It also operated internationally with various carriers. Although gradually retired, it remains one of the most recognizable Soviet-era airliners.

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