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Tupolev Tu-116

Tupolev · Early Jet (1946–1969)

Tupolev Tu-116 — Fixed Wing
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The Tupolev Tu-116 (sometimes called Tu-114D) was a Soviet Tupolev Tu-95 long-range-bomber conversion into a long-range VIP transport — a stopgap solution to provide Soviet leadership with a credible intercontinental-range aircraft before the larger Tu-114 entered service. Only 2 Tu-116 airframes were built, converted from existing Tu-95M bombers in 1957-1958 at Kuibyshev Plant No. 18. The aircraft served Soviet government VIP transport role from 1958 until replacement by the Tu-114 in 1961.

The Tu-116 retained the base Tu-95's airframe (wings, engines, tail) with the bomb-bay area converted into a passenger compartment carrying 20-24 passengers. Four Kuznetsov NK-12M contra-rotating turboprop engines (15,000 shp each). Maximum speed 870 km/h, range 9,400 km, service ceiling 11,800 m. The cabin layout included separate compartments for the senior official, support staff, and security personnel, plus a kitchen and bathroom. The aircraft retained the Tu-95's defensive tail-gunner armament (the only Tu-95-derived airliner to retain weapons).

Tu-116 service spanned 1958-1961 in Soviet government VIP transport role. The aircraft carried Nikita Khrushchev and other senior Soviet officials on long-range diplomatic missions. The most-famous mission was Khrushchev's September 1959 visit to the United States — the Tu-116 served as the Soviet leader's backup aircraft for the September 1959 visit (a Tu-114 was the primary aircraft). The Tu-116 was retired from VIP transport service when the larger and more-luxurious Tu-114 entered VIP service in 1961. Both Tu-116 airframes were converted to other research roles; one survives at the Ulyanovsk Civil Aviation History Museum.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Tupolev Tu-116 was a Soviet VIP transport plane from the late 1950s. Only two Tu-116s were ever built. They were made by converting two existing Tu-95 Bear bombers into long-range government planes.

The Tu-116 was a quick stopgap solution. The Soviet government needed a long-range plane to carry its leaders before the new Tu-114 airliner was ready. Tupolev simply replaced the bomb bay of two Tu-95 bombers with a passenger cabin for 20 to 24 people.

The plane kept all four of the original Tu-95 turboprop engines. It could fly 5,850 miles without stopping. That is far enough to fly from Moscow to New York without refueling. The Tu-116 is about as long as a school football field.

The Tu-116 served as the Soviet leader's plane from 1958 until 1961. Then the new Tu-114 took over for VIP flights. The two Tu-116s were then used by the Soviet Air Force as cargo planes and test platforms. They were retired in the 1970s.

Fun Facts

  • Only two Tu-116s were ever built.
  • Both were converted from older Tu-95 Bear bombers.
  • The plane could fly 5,850 miles without stopping — far enough to cross the Atlantic.
  • The Tu-116 was the Soviet leader's plane from 1958 to 1961.
  • It had separate compartments inside for the leader, support staff, and security guards.
  • The two Tu-116s were retired in the 1970s after being used as cargo planes.

Kids’ Questions

Why did the Soviets need two of these planes?

The Soviet leader needed a backup plane in case the main one had a problem. Two planes also meant the leader and other top officials could travel at the same time. Many countries today still use two identical planes for their president, for the same reasons.

How was the Tu-116 different from the Tu-114?

The Tu-116 used a bomber body with a small passenger cabin in the bomb bay area. It was a quick fix while the Tu-114 was still being built. The Tu-114 had a much bigger and wider passenger body designed from scratch for comfortable VIP travel.

Variants

Tu-116 (both prototypes)
Two Tu-95M conversions. Carried 20-24 VIP passengers. Operated 1958-1961.

Notable Operators

Soviet Government VIP Transport
Sole user. Soviet Premier and Foreign Ministry VIP transport 1958-1961.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Tu-116 used by Khrushchev?

Yes — as backup. The Tu-116 served as Nikita Khrushchev's backup aircraft during his September 1959 visit to the United States. The primary aircraft was a Tupolev Tu-114; the Tu-116 followed as a contingency in case of mechanical issues with the Tu-114. The Tu-114 carried Khrushchev to and from Washington D.C. without incident, so the Tu-116 did not actually carry the Soviet leader on that mission. The Tu-116 was used on other Soviet government missions through 1961.

How is the Tu-116 different from the Tu-114?

The Tu-114 is the proper purpose-built Soviet long-range turboprop airliner — 170-220 passengers in a new wide-body fuselage. The Tu-116 is a Tu-95 bomber conversion — 20-24 VIP passengers in the bomber's modified bomb-bay area. Same wings, engines, tail; very different fuselage layouts. The Tu-116 retained Tu-95 defensive armament (tail gunner) which the Tu-114 dropped.

How many Tu-116s were built?

Only 2 airframes, both converted from existing Tu-95M bombers in 1957-1958. The Tu-116 was always intended as a stopgap pending Tu-114 service entry; production was minimal.

Is any Tu-116 preserved?

Yes — one airframe survives at the Ulyanovsk Civil Aviation History Museum in Russia. It is in static-display condition with the original VIP cabin layout preserved.

Sources

See Also