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Tupolev Tu-124

Modern (1992–2009)

Tupolev Tu-124 — Fixed Wing
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The Tupolev Tu-124 (NATO reporting name Cookpot) was a Soviet short-haul jet airliner — a scaled-down derivative of the Tu-104. Andrei Tupolev's design bureau developed the Tu-124 in 1958-1959; the prototype first flew on 24 March 1960. About 165 Tu-124s were built between 1962 and 1966 at Kharkov Plant No. 135. The aircraft served Aeroflot short-haul Soviet domestic routes and several export operators 1962-1979 before replacement by the more-capable Tu-134.

The Tu-124 was approximately 75% the size of the Tu-104 with similar overall layout. Two Soloviev D-20P turbofan engines (5,400 lbf each — Tupolev's first use of turbofan engines on a civil airliner). Maximum speed 970 km/h, range 1,650 km, service ceiling 11,700 m. Capacity: 56-70 passengers depending on configuration. The aircraft retained the Tu-104's wingroot-engine layout but used smaller turbofan engines that gave much better fuel economy than the Tu-104's Mikulin AM-3 turbojets.

Tu-124 service was concentrated on Aeroflot short-haul Soviet domestic routes. Export operators included Czechoslovak Airlines, Interflug (East Germany), Indian Airlines, and Iraqi Airways. The Tu-124 was retired from Aeroflot service in 1979 in favour of the redesigned Tupolev Tu-134 (which had rear-fuselage-mounted engines instead of wingroot-mounted, allowing a more-efficient cabin layout). Several Tu-124s served the Soviet Air Forces as flight-crew trainers through the early 1980s. About 6 airframes survive in 2026 at Russian, Eastern European, and other museums.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Tupolev Tu-124 was a Soviet short-haul jet airliner from the 1960s. It was a smaller version of the bigger Tu-104. About 165 Tu-124s were built between 1962 and 1966.

The Tu-124 was about 75% the size of the Tu-104. It carried 56 to 70 passengers on short trips inside the Soviet Union. The plane had two engines hidden inside the wing roots, close to the body.

The Tu-124 was the first Soviet plane to use turbofan engines on a passenger jet. These engines were much quieter and used less fuel than older turbojets. The plane could fly at 600 mph, which is faster than most cars on the highway.

The Tu-124 was about as long as a small football field. It flew for Aeroflot on short flights inside the Soviet Union from 1962 until 1979. Some Tu-124s also flew for airlines in East Germany, India, Iraq, and China. The Tu-134 jet replaced it in the late 1970s.

Fun Facts

  • The Tu-124 was a smaller version of the Tu-104.
  • About 165 Tu-124s were built between 1962 and 1966.
  • It was the first Soviet airliner to use turbofan engines.
  • The plane carried 56 to 70 passengers on short trips.
  • Airlines in East Germany, India, Iraq, and China all flew the Tu-124.
  • The Tu-134 jet replaced the Tu-124 in the late 1970s.

Kids’ Questions

What is the difference between a turbofan and a turbojet?

A turbojet just sucks in air and shoots it out the back to push the plane forward. A turbofan also has a big fan at the front that pushes extra air around the engine. Turbofans are quieter, use less fuel, and work better at airliner speeds.

Why were the Tu-124's engines hidden inside the wings?

Hiding the engines in the wing roots made the plane smoother and reduced drag. This was a common Soviet design. Hanging engines under the wings in pods, like Boeing planes, became more popular later because it makes engine repairs much easier.

Variants

Tu-124 (basic 56 pax)
Standard production. About 130 built.
Tu-124V (70 pax)
High-density 70-passenger variant. About 30 built.
Tu-124K / Tu-124K2 (VIP)
VIP transport variants. About 5 built for Soviet government use.

Notable Operators

Aeroflot (1962-1979)
Sole large user. Short-haul Soviet domestic routes. ~140 Tu-124s in Aeroflot service.
Czechoslovak Airlines, Interflug, Indian Airlines, Iraqi Airways
Export operators. Combined ~25 airframes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Tu-124 different from the Tu-104?

The Tu-124 is about 75% the size of the Tu-104 — shorter fuselage, shorter wings, smaller cabin. It uses Soloviev D-20P turbofan engines (5,400 lbf each) instead of the Tu-104's Mikulin AM-3 turbojets (8,750 lbf each). The turbofan engines give much better fuel economy — about 30% better than the Tu-104 turbojets on per-seat-mile basis. The Tu-124 retained the Tu-104's wingroot-engine layout; only later Tupolev airliners (Tu-134 / Tu-154) moved to rear-fuselage engine layouts.

Why was the Tu-124 replaced by the Tu-134?

The Tu-134's rear-fuselage engine layout (with engines mounted on pylons at the back of the fuselage) allowed a more-efficient cabin layout — no wingroot intrusion into the cabin, larger windows, better noise insulation. The Tu-134 also had a higher-bypass turbofan engine (Soloviev D-30) with better fuel economy. Aeroflot's 1970s economics favoured the Tu-134 over the older Tu-124.

How many Tu-124s were built?

About 165 airframes between 1962 and 1966 at Kharkov Plant No. 135. Production stopped in 1966 when the improved Tu-134 entered production.

Are any Tu-124s preserved?

About 6 airframes survive at Russian aviation museums (Monino, Ulyanovsk), Eastern European museums (Prague, Berlin-Schönefeld), and others. None are airworthy.

Sources

See Also