During tests, the first new serial Tu-214 with domestic PS-90A engines accelerated to a speed of 970 km/h. This was reported by the analytical blog "Let's Fly Together."
The flight took place in the Kazan area on February 22. In the air, the crew of aircraft No. 64536 reached an altitude of 10,100 m.
Analysts did not specify which speed was being referred to — ground speed or true airspeed. For civilian airliners of this class, a speed of 970 km/h is excessive and unsafe.
The Tu-214 is designed for a cruising speed within the range of 830–850 km/h, so it seems that the ground speed is being referred to, when the aircraft is flying in a strong jet stream. Otherwise, flying at 970 km/h creates a huge load on the airframe and burns a colossal amount of fuel.
The revived Tu-214 in Kazan may not regain its former popularity among domestic airlines, warned Yuri Zakharchenko, Executive Director of the RKK-Nauka trade union.
