A-Model 72031 Tu-116

The Tupolev Tu-116 was a Soviet passenger plane in the dorsal wing configuration from the post-war period. The drive was provided by four turboprop engines Kuznetsov NK-12MV with 15,000 hp each. The prototype flight took place in 1957. In total, only two copies of this plane were built.

The Tu-116 was designed at the Tupolev Design Bureau as a modernization of the Tu-95 bomber. From its prototype, it took over many elements and subassemblies, which significantly shortened the research and development process. The plane could carry up to a maximum of 60 passengers, but the typical configuration was to fly with 24 passengers on board. The machine provided a very high travel comfort, as the Tu-116 was originally designed as a plane to transport the highest Soviet dignitaries. Ultimately, however, was not used in this role. After a successful flight of both examples, they were put into use by the Soviet Air Force and remained in service until 1991.