ZHUKOVSKY (Moscow region), August 16 (RIA Novosti) - The Tupolev Design Bureau is preparing to launch serial production of a new cargo aircraft, the TU-204-330.
"In view of the pressing need for a new cargo aircraft, the Tupolev Design Bureau has drawn up proposals and projects on several types," Director of the bureau Valery Solozobov said.
The TU-204-330 medium cargo aircraft is being built on the basis of the scientific and technical, design, and production base inherited from work on the TU-204/214 and TU-334 families, he said.
Almost 75% of the new aircraft's design is similar to that of the TU-204, which allows us to considerably reduce the development and certification time, he said.
"The design of the TU-204-330 is virtually complete, and its serial production is being prepared."
The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 35 metric tons of cargo containers and vehicles, as well as transferring and air-dropping people, equipment, and cargo.
"The TU-204-330 can completely replace the outdated AN-12 plane and, to a certain extent the IL-76 for medium-distance flights...
"According to the client's wish, the aircraft can be produced for sanitary purposes, reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, ice reconnaissance, fire-fighting, or emergency situations. Unfortunately, our military have not so far paid attention to the plane, focusing mostly on the AN-70," he said.
