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	Tupolev Tu-124 ASCC codename: Cookpot Short to Medium-Range Jetliner

DESCRIPTION: The success of the medium-range Tu-104 led Tupolev to develop a derivative to meet an Aeroflot requirement for a short to medium-range airliner to replace the Ilyushin Il-14. While a completely new aircraft, the Tu-124 was essentially a 75%-scale variant of the Tu-104, and the two were difficult to distinguish from a distance. In comparison with the larger aircraft, the Tu-124 introduced several aerodynamic refinements including extension of the wing trailing edge roots and addition of double-slotted flaps, automatic lift dumpers, and a large center-section airbrake to improve takeoff and landing performance. The Tu-124 was also fitted with a brake parachute for use in case of emergency landing as well as low-pressure tires for rough-field operations. In addition, the Tu-124 introduced much more fuel efficient turbofan engines, being the first short-range jet aircraft in the world to be so equipped. The initial production model carried up to 44 passengers while the definitive Tu-124V could handle 56. Other notable variants included the Tu-124K and Tu-124K2 VIP transports and Tu-124Sh-1 and Tu-124Sh-2 navigator trainer aircraft. Some 110 civil and 55 military examples were built by the time production ended with the majority serving Aeroflot. Export sales were weak since most potential customers awaited the improved Tu-134, but VIP transports were operated by the Indian Air Force. Other Tu-124s found their way into the militaries of Iraq and China. Data below for Tu-124V Last modified 19 October 2010
HISTORY:
First Flight	29 March 1960
Service Entry	2 October 1962
CREW:	three or four: pilot, co-pilot, navigator, and perhaps a radio operator
PASSENGERS:	(Tu-124) 44 (Tu-124V) 56 (Tu-124K) 36 (Tu-124K2) 22
ESTIMATED COST:	unknown
AIRFOIL SECTIONS:
Wing Root	PR-1-10S-9 (15.7%)
Wing Tip	PR-1-10S-9 (12%)
DIMENSIONS:
Length	100.33 ft (30.58 m)
Wingspan	83.81 ft (25.55 m)
Height	26.50 ft (8.08 m)
Wing Area	1,280.95 ft² (119.00 m²)
Canard Area	not applicable
WEIGHTS:
Empty	49,605 lb (22,500 kg)
Normal Takeoff	unknown
Max Takeoff	83,775 lb (38,000 kg)
Fuel Capacity	internal: 29,760 lb (13,500 kg) external: not applicable
Max Payload	13,225 lb (6,000 kg)
PROPULSION:
Powerplant	two Soloviev D-20P turbofans
Thrust	23,810 lb (105.92 kN)
PERFORMANCE:
Max Level Speed	at altitude: 605 mph (970 km/h) at 26,245 ft (8,000 m), Mach 0.88 at sea level: unknown max cruise speed: 540 mph (870 km/h) normal cruise speed: 500 mph (800 km/h)
Initial Climb Rate	3,275 ft (1,000 m) / min
Service Ceiling	38,385 ft (11,700 m)
Range	1,135 nm (2,100 km) with half payload 670 nm (1,220 km) with max payload
Endurance	unknown
g-Limits	unknown
KNOWN VARIANTS:
Tu-124	Initial production model carrying 44 passengers, later increased to 48, 52, or 60 seats
Tu-124V	Principal production model carrying 56 passengers
Tu-124B	Tu-124V airframes equipped with D-20P-125 turbofan engines
Tu-124K	Deluxe transport for 36 passengers
Tu-124K2	Deluxe transport for 22 passengers
Tu-124Sh-1 and Tu-124Sh-2	Navigator trainers
Tu-127	Possible military designation for Tu-124 transports
KNOWN OPERATORS:
Civil	Aeroflot Ceskoslovenske Aerolinie (CSA) Interflug
Government/Military	China, Zhongkuo Shenmin Taifang Tsunputai (People's Liberation Army Air Force) East Germany, Luftstreitkräfte/Luftverteidigung (Air Force/Air Defense Force) India, Bharatiya Vayu Sena (Indian Air Force) Iraq, Al Quwwat Al Jawwiya al Iraqiya (Iraqi Air Force) Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Voyenno Vozdushniye Sili (Soviet Air Force)
3-VIEW SCHEMATIC:
SOURCES: Donald, David, ed. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1997, p. 885, Tupolev Tu-124. Donald, David, ed. The Encyclopedia of Civil Aircraft. San Diego, CA: Thunder Bay Press, 1999, p. 732, Tupolev Tu-104 Short-haul brother. The Flight Site Tu-124 site