What Happened to this project?

Yes, but “fashion” also plays a role. Trident, B727 and Tu-154. TheTupolev has got lots of power (compared to the other two) and lots of mainwheels! “Look-a-likes”, but very different.

“Same specs. should produce similar designs”.

I also subscribe to this theory. Then someone pointed out – if you’ll pardon this military intrusion – the two Joint Strike Fighter designs. (Did the Boeing lose because it was so ugly?). Come to think of it: YF-22 and YF-23 were also quite different.;)

you also have to remember that given the same set of requirements, everyone is bound to come up with much the same things (just slightly modified)…

Yes as the TU 204 resembles the B757. Russians are known for good copying. But they have made one of the most beautiful airliners ever in name of IL 62 and TU 154.

So many russian designs seem to emulate western ones. This one looks like a rough copy of a Saab 2000 to me!

The IL114 has been in service with Uzbekistan Airlines for around 18 months now. A pure cargo version flew fairly recently which I understand may be operated soon by Volga Dnepr.

I done a search on Airliners, and theres really only pics of this bird in the Illusyin (spelling) house c/s. Most previous pic was taken on the 16th Aug 2002.

Yes it is the replacement for the An 24s and i think is in service. First flew in 1990.