Tupolev Tu-155
Tupolev · Soviet Union · first flew 1988 · airliner
The Tupolev Tu-155 was a modified Tu-154 airliner used as a flying testbed for cryogenic alternative fuels, becoming the world's first aircraft to fly on liquid hydrogen and later liquefied natural gas. It was a research tool rather than a production aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × turbofan, tail-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Distinctive insulated fuel tank in forward fuselage replacing passenger seats |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Experimental cryogenic fuel testbed derived from Tu-154
- Starboard engine modified to burn liquid hydrogen or LNG
- Distinctive insulated fuel tank in forward fuselage replacing passenger seats
Externally almost identical to a standard Tu-154M — the tell-tale differences are internal (the cryogenic tank) and in the slightly modified starboard engine nacelle and associated plumbing fittings visible on close inspection.
Specifications
- The Tupolev Tu-155 has a length of 48 m (157 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 37.55 m (123 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 900 km/h (559 mph).
- Typical crew: 6.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flying in April 1988, the Tu-155 was converted from a standard Tu-154 airframe with the starboard NK-88 engine modified to burn cryogenic fuels stored in a large insulated tank fitted in the forward cabin. It flew 100+ test flights on both liquid hydrogen and LNG, providing data for potential future cryogenic-fuelled airliners, though no production aircraft followed.
Variants
A single modified aircraft; no production variant. The NK-88 engine (hydrogen) and NK-89 (LNG) were distinct engine configurations tested sequentially.
Where you'll see it
Operated solely as a research aircraft by the Tupolev design bureau; never in passenger service.
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