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A Tu-144 ‘Russian Concorde’ is Being Restored for Display Ahead of Expected MAKS Return
The Aviationist • • world
Key Points:
- Volunteers are actively restoring the retired Soviet supersonic jet Tu-144D (tail CCCP-77115) at Zhukovsky airport, including installing a new Auxiliary Power Unit and repairing electrical and mechanical systems for static display purposes.
- The restoration is driven by a volunteer group aiming to preserve aviation history, with no plans to return the aircraft to flight due to technical, regulatory, and parts availability challenges.
- The Tu-144D has historically been displayed at the MAKS airshow, which has been postponed since 2021 due to the war in Ukraine; the restoration aligns with hopes for MAKS to resume in 2027, though this is not yet confirmed.
- The Tu-144 program faced significant issues during its operational life, including a fatal crash in 1973, high maintenance costs, and limited commercial service, leading to its production ending in 1982.
- Separately, Russia is developing a new supersonic passenger aircraft prototype at Zhukovsky, with lessons from the Tu-144’s troubled history likely influencing a more cautious approach.
