Tupolev Tu-126 (Moss)

History of Tupolev Tu-126 (Moss)

The design of the Tupolev Tu-126 (NATO codename "Moss") is traditional and largely follows the Cold War-era concept of the large propeller-driven Soviet bomber. The aircraft's appearance is characterized by a circular radome installation at the rear of the fuselage, while its general character is formed by the existing 1961 Tupolev Tu-114 turboprop airliner. The flight deck is mounted behind a short glass nose cone at the very forward end of the fuselage. The fuselage is mostly tubular from nose to stern, tapering to a point at the stern. The wings are monoplane components located lower in the midship forward, each with two counter-rotating engines mounted.

The engine is housed in a streamlined nacelle suspended below the swept wings. The low structure of the wing is associated with a leading edge nacelle that requires fairly long landing gear legs for optimal clearance. The rear wing is controlled by a large vertical tail swept back. The swept horizontal stabilizer is an intermediate device along the rear of the fuselage.

Below the tail, a ventral stripe with two air bubbles can be seen under the fuselage directly in front of him. A rucksack can be seen on the forward fuselage, just behind the flight deck. A refueling probe is attached to the handpiece.

The Tu-126 was normally flown by a crew of twelve, including two pilots. The aircraft is powered by 4 x Kuznetsov NK-12MV turboprops driving counter-rotating propellers, each producing approximately 14,795 hp. This gives the plane a top speed of 490 mph, a range of up to 4,350 miles and a service ceiling of 35,100 feet.

Cruising speed is quoted as 323 miles per hour.

From 1965, the Tu-126 was dedicated to the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWAC or "AWAC") role in the Soviet Air Force and Air Defense Ministry. The line was phased out in 1984 and only 12 were produced.

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