Tupolev creates Tu-214 “think tank”

Russian aircraft manufacturer Tupolev has announced that it will establish an ‘Innovation Design Centre’ responsible for modernising and upgrading the Tu-214. The new unit will consist of between 12 and 25 specialists, part of a “unique think tank” that will look at ways to create “the ideal version” of the aircraft, said Tupolev managing director Konstantin Timofeev. This includes reducing weight, increasing range, and making production more efficient. The Tu-214 joins the Ilyushin Il-114-300, which United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is