Tupolev Tu-104 Original

The Tupolev Tu-104 Original is the initial production variant of the Tu-104 family, the first successful Soviet jet airliner. First flown on June 17, 1955, it made aviation history as the world's only operational jet airliner from 1956 to 1958 following the grounding of the de Havilland Comet after fatal accidents. Derived from the Tu-16 bomber, the Tu-104 Original features an entirely new pressurized fuselage accommodating 50 passengers (later increased to 50-70 in various configurations), while retaining the bomber's wing, tail surfaces, and landing gear. Powered by two Mikulin AM-3 turbojet engines (8,000 kgf thrust each) mounted in the wing roots, the aircraft featured a five-person cockpit crew typical of Soviet aviation practice. Entering service with Aeroflot on September 15, 1956, on the Moscow-Irkutsk route, the Tu-104 Original enabled rapid jet service expansion across the Soviet Union. With a maximum takeoff weight of 76,000 kg, range of 2,650 km, service ceiling of 11,500m, and cruising speed of 800 km/h, the aircraft featured comfortable passenger accommodations for the era. The original variant served as the foundation for the improved Tu-104A and Tu-104B variants with lengthened fuselages and upgraded engines.