The Tu-214 is often called an aircraft from the last century. Indeed, its history began in the late 1980s. However, today Kazan aircraft manufacturers are preparing several serious updates for the airliner, which should make it more modern, lighter, and more economical.

Read about what exactly will change in the Russian aircraft in our material.

The Aircraft Will Become Lighter and Able to Carry More Passengers

One of the main directions of modernization is reducing the weight of the structure. Thanks to new materials and the redesign of individual elements, the airframe is planned to be lightened by approximately 2.5 tons.

At the same time, engineers are reviewing the layout of the passenger cabin. If today the Tu-214 can carry up to 210 people, after the update, its capacity could increase to approximately 220 passengers without changing the aircraft's dimensions.

In fact, designers want to make the airliner both lighter and roomier – a rare combination for a deep modernization of an existing machine.

The Cockpit Will Become Modern

Another important change concerns the crew. Currently, the Tu-214 is operated by a three-person crew, including a flight engineer.

The prospective Tu-214M version should receive a completely updated cockpit, which will allow eliminating the third crew member and transitioning to the standard two-pilot scheme for modern airliners.

At the same time, the aircraft continues to get rid of imported components. Certification of a version in which 17 foreign systems have been replaced by Russian analogues has already been completed.

Why Does the Tu-214 Still Have a Future?

Despite the considerable age of its design, the Tu-214 remains one of the most versatile Russian aviation platforms. It is on its basis that special-purpose aircraft, airborne command posts, repeaters, and reconnaissance systems are created.

If the modernization program is fully implemented, the airliner will get a second life. A lighter design, increased capacity, a two-person cockpit, and fully domestic systems should bring the Tu-214 significantly closer to the requirements of modern civil aviation.