Kazan Aviation Plant named after Gorbunov (part of PJSC "Tupolev") has abandoned the introduction of an assembly line in production. Apparently, plans to build up to 20 aircraft per year will remain unrealized.
Initially, the Tu-214 serial production program was divided into two stages. The first involved construction on existing sites, and the second involved the construction of new ones with a rate of 20 aircraft per year.
To achieve the plan, a new room was allocated for the assembly of the Tu-214, where an assembly line was to appear to speed up the process. However, now the company will simply introduce a second slipway, although for a rate of 20 aircraft there should be at least four.
The abandonment of the assembly line is a step towards reality. Firstly, there is simply nowhere to get the necessary equipment. Secondly, the assembly line system requires the clear operation of the entire plant. The assembly process is divided into microcycles. Moving the aircraft from stage to stage can be only 25 cm, and a delay in the operation of only a few seconds means a cycle disruption. This is the case at Western factories.
Informed sources in the aviation industry think even more broadly. In their opinion, the problem for the serial production of the Tu-214 lies in the need to completely redesign the aircraft. This process may take many years and new infusions of huge funds.
Earlier www1.ru reported that the former vice president of the UAC explained why the PD-35 engine project was curtailed.