Tu-144 Charger Prototype
Building of the first prototype of Tu-144 ("044") was started in 1965. Simultaneously the second prototype was being built for static tests. Prototype "044" was initially intended for 98 passengers, later on this number was increased to 120. Correspondingly design take-off weight was increased from 130 tons to 150 tons. The prototype was built at "Opyt" Plant. In 1967 main aircraft components assembly was completed. In late 1967 the "044" prototype was moved to Zhukovskiy where the aircraft was being added with lack parts during all year 1968.
Simultaneously flights of analogs Mig-21I (A-144, "21-11") were started. Th analog was built in Design Bureau named after A.I.Mikoyan. Its wing was similar to the one of "044" prototype from aerodynamic and geometric point of view. In total they built two "21-11" machines. Many test pilots operated these airplanes including those who tested Tu-144 aircraft in future including E.V.Yelian. The analog-airplane was successfully operated up to 2500 km/h. Records of these flights served as a basis for final correction of Tu-144 wing and allowed test pilots to adopt to the aircraft features.
In late 1968 the "044" prototype (side No.68001) was prepared for the first flight. The flight crew was assigned as follows: test pilot E. Yelian , co-pilot - M.Kozlov, leading test engineer V.Benderov and flight engineer Y. Seliverstov. In view of novelty and uncommonness of the new machine the Design Bureau began extraordinary approach: it was first time when prototype passenger aircraft was provided with ejection crew seats. During the whole month they performed engines running, rolling, final ground checks of the systems. From the end of December , 1968, the machine was completely ready to perform the first flight. And finally on the last day of 1968 "044" lifted-off in Zhukovskiy for the first time and rapidly climbed. The first flight lasted for 37 minutes. The flight was followed by analog-aircraft "21-11".
According to flight crew the aircraft proved to be flexible and easily piloted. A.N.Tupolev, A.A.Tupolev and many others attended the first take-off. The first flight became the vent of world-wide importance and main milestone in history of Russian and International aviation. It was the first flight of Soviet supersonic passenger aircraft - the first "Concorde" will lift-off only on 2 March, 1969. 5 June, 1969 the prototype exceeded sonic speed for the first time at the altitude of 11 000 m. By May, 1970 the machine performed flights at speeds of M1.25-1.6 at the altitudes up to 15 000 m. 12 November, 1970 the aircraft "044" performed half-hour flight at speed more than 2000 km/h; at the altitude of 16960 m maximal speed of 2430 km/h. In the course of the tests the aircraft flown beyond USSR boarder several times. In May-June, 1971 "044" aircraft participated Le-Bourget Airshow where it met "Concorde" for the first time.
The "044" aircraft was provided with prototype NK-144 engines with Specific Fuel Consumption at cruising supersonic mode equal to 2.23 kg/kg thrust hour. At such Specific Fuel Consumption during tests Tu-144 aircraft reached supersonic flight range of 2920 km which was significantly less than required range. Furthermore in the course of tests some design defects were revealed: during flight they observed enhanced vibration level and tail fuselage heating from the package of four engines, even titanium structures could not help. Upon completion of test flight program (totally about 150 flights) the "044" machine remained a single copy. Nobody expected more from it. It fulfilled its task to demonstrate that USSR was capable to built supersonic passenger aircraft. It was necessary to move ahead improving the aircraft structure and engines.
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