Test of TU-155 Airplane with Cryogenic Fuel
System
18610189a Moscow PRAVDA in Russian No 108,
Apr 88p 3
[Excerpt] The world's first airplane capable of using
cryogenic fuels took off on April 15. Thus began flight
tests of an experimental aircraft, the TU-155, which uses
liquid hydrogen and liquefied natural gas as fuels.
This airplane was developed by personnel of the Design
and Experimental Bureau imeni Tupolev in collaboration
with the Scientific Research Institute of the Aviation
industry. Installed in the airplane is an NK-88
engine designed by the bureau which academician N.D.
Kuznetsov heads. A large number of enterprises and
scientific research institutes took part actively and creatively
in the development of systems of the airplane.
Its crew, which is headed by V. A. Sevankayev, a
meritorious test-pilot of the USSR, has opened a new
page in the history of Soviet and world airplane building.
In our country, work on the development of airplanes
using cryogenic fuels began with the development of an
experimental aircraft.
The TU-154, which has already been introduced, was
chosen as the base model. A special section in the rear of
the passenger compartment of such an airplane was
equipped for the installation of a liquid-hydrogen tank.
Scientific research work was done, and more than 30
onboard systems which ensure operation of the airplane's
cryogenic propulsion plant, fire safety and explosion
proofing, were designed and produced.
A unique ground complex was developed for the support
of fueling and maintenance of the airplane.
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