Vizag new runway put to test with Tupolev TU-142 Bear-F Naval Aircraft

Visakhapatnam, October 1, 2007

Makes maiden landing on new extended runway

The new 10,000 foot runway of the Visakhapatnam Airport underwent the maiden landing of a mighty bird – the Indian Navy's Tupolev TU-142 Bear-F marking a new chapter in the history of Visakhapatnam aviation. The Tupolev TU-142 landed successfully at the Naval Air Station INS Dega's new runway reinforcing the preparedness of the runway to accept heavier and wider aircrafts, including those of the defense forces.

The Tupolev TU-142 aircraft is commanded by Commander Gopal Natarajan and is received by the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Commadore LVS Babu.

The TU-142 belongs to the Indian Naval Air Squadron 312 of Rajali and is much larger and heavier than an Airbus and has the capabilities to fly non-stop for distances beyond the typical Boeing 747. The TU 142 has the distinction of being the fastest flying turbo-prop aircraft in the world. The Indian Navy uses the TU 142 as a maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The aircraft is inducted into the Indian Navy at Goa in March 30, 1988. The aircraft has participated in some important Naval operations including the Operation Cactus held in Maldives and Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka.

The Tupolev TU-142 has a wingspan of 51.1 meters (167 feet), an overall length of 49.5 meters (162 feet), overall height of 12.12 meters (39 feet), propeller diameter of 5.6 meters (18 feet) and flies with a speed of 500 knots (925 kilometers / hour) with a service ceiling of 13,720 meters (45,000 feet) and has a range of 6775 nautical miles (12,550 kilometers).

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