Service introduction was had in September of 1967 while serial production spanned from 1966 until 1989. In all, 854 aircraft were built including two prototype airframes. The series was well-received for its time, particularly when compared to previous Soviet-originated passenger haulers. However, as Europe began to clamp down on aircraft-produced noise at airports, the Tu-134 was targeted so its value West of Moscow deteriorated. Age soon caught up with the fleet and the line has gradually been removed from many routes worldwide.
Initial production models (originally known under the designation of "Tu-124A") were built to the basic Tu-134 standard and noted for their glass noses. Internal seating amounted to sixty-four. Then followed the Tu-134A which introduced upgraded avionics and powerplants while seating up to eighty-four. Most of this mark continued use of the glass nose cone. In the Tu-134A-2, the glass nose was finally replaced with a solid structure housing the radar fit. The Tu-134A-3 used upgraded D-30 turbofan engines and the Tu-134A-5 was introduced as a modernized Tu-134 airliner.
The line eventually evolved into the Tu-134B variant which had solid noses (housing radar), seating for eighty and increased onboard fuel stores for increased ranges. The Tu-134BV served the Soviet space shuttle program and the Tu-134LK was modified to support training of astronauts. The Tu-134UBL was set aside as a crew trainer platform for the series of Tu-160 strategic bombers in Soviet Air Force service. The Tu-134 UBK became a "one-off" navalized Tu-134 based in the Tu-134UBL - it was not produced serially. The Tu-134BSh was another crew trainer though this time outfitted to serve the Tu-22M series of bombers in Soviet Air Force service. Another bomber trainer form became the Tu-134Sh-1, which installed bomb racks for the role, and the follow-up Tu-134Sh-2 served in navigation training. The Tu-134SKh was fielded in the crop survey role and modified with appropriate equipment.
Global operators of the Tu-134 series proved plenty, ranging from Afghanistan and Bulgaria to Ukraine and Yugoslavia (mainly all being Soviet allies of the period). Air Koryo of North Korea still operates the type (2018) as do a few local Russian and Kazakhstani passenger-hauling services. The Syrian military (Air Force) continues use of the type as does the Ukrainian Air Force. Some have found extended service lives as VIP-converted passenger-haulers.
Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.