RUSSIAN MANUFACTURER TUPOLEV HAS REVEALED new cryoplane concepts on which it is working as part of its joint activities with Germany's Daimler-Benz Aerospace (DASA) in the field of cryogenic fuels. Shown are two proposals for a natural gas-powered Tu-130 LNG convertible cargo/passenger design. The first, known as the "duplane" (above, left) is a 53-seat design based on the Dornier 328 turboprop, with the same wing, empennage, engines, auxiliary power unit and main aircraft systems. The Pratt & Whitney Canada-powered aircraft has a predicted 5,000kg payload and an 800km (430nm) range. The second design, dubbed "North", is a longer-range (2,000km) 50-seater, with Klimov TV7-117C engines and a 6,600kg payload. It is designed for operations in Siberia and polar regions. Tupolev hopes to develop one of the two designs by 2000. A joint programme to convert a Dornier 328 to hydrogen fuel is to begin later this year (Flight International, 15-21 May).
Source: Flight International
