Tupolev Tu-214ON
Kazan Aircraft Production Association · Russia · first flew 2011 · transport aircraft
The Tupolev Tu-214ON (Otkrytoye Nebo — Open Skies) is a dedicated surveillance variant of the Tu-214 airliner built to fulfil Russia's obligations under the Open Skies Treaty. It carries electro-optical, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar sensors.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Airliner-derived fuselage with sensor windows |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Airliner-derived fuselage with sensor windows
- Open Skies treaty surveillance fit
- CFM56 turbofans under swept wings
Virtually identical externally to the Tu-214 airliner but fitted with prominent observation windows along the lower fuselage and underwing sensor pods; the clean twin-turbofan swept-wing airliner silhouette is shared with the civil variant.
Specifications
- The Tupolev Tu-214ON has a length of 46.14 m (151 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 41.8 m (137 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 850 km/h (528 mph).
- Typical crew: 8-12 (crew and observers).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development was initiated in the 2000s and the aircraft first flew in 2011. Built at the Kazan Aviation Production Association, the Tu-214ON was Russia's replacement for the Antonov An-30 in the Open Skies role, offering greater range and a more capable sensor suite.
Variants
The ON suffix designates the Open Skies configuration; it is the only operational variant in this surveillance role, distinguishable from standard Tu-214 airliners by sensor fairings and observation windows.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Russian Air Force under Open Skies Treaty obligations; the treaty was suspended by Russia in 2023, leaving the aircraft's future role uncertain.
Related aircraft
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