SCHIFFER MILITARY Tupolev Tu-144: The Soviet Supersonic Airliner

An in-depth illustrated history of the Tupolev Tu-144, the Soviet Union’s bold venture into supersonic commercial aviation. Developed during the 1960s and 1970s, the Tu-144—often nicknamed the “Concordski”—was the USSR’s only practical attempt at a supersonic passenger airliner. Although its operational career was brief, it remains one of the most ambitious and technologically significant achievements of the Soviet aerospace industry. First flown on the final day of 1968, ahead of the Concorde, the Tu-144 represented a major milestone in aviation history. After a long development process, the production version entered service in 1977, but accidents and political pressures led to its withdrawal less than a year later. Features include: Detailed coverage of the Tu-144’s design, development, and service history Examination of projected versions and military derivative concepts Coverage of the Tu-144LL research aircraft developed in a Russian-American program A comparison between the Tu-144 and the Concorde Color side profiles and previously unpublished photographs This richly illustrated volume offers a fascinating look at one of aviation’s most daring and controversial aircraft projects, making it essential reading for aerospace enthusiasts and Cold War historians.