Tupolev Tu-4 Double (Twin-Fuselage Russian Aircraft)

[Cy-27]

I was intrigued by an item in Krilya Rodiny magazine from last year about a proposal from 1950 to mate together two Tupolev Tu-4 "Bull" aircraft.

This "Tu-4 Double" does not look too practical as the wing join point appears very flimsy and the runway width required for the landing gear(s) would limit operations.

The magazine was not an April issue so I don't believe the article to be totally fictitious (maybe a bit fanciful though).

 

[Grey Havoc]

The fact that it was a time for desperate measures probably applies.

 

[Avimimus]

A desperate attempt at sufficient range/payload for nuclear deterrence?

 

[Grey Havoc]

A desperate attempt at sufficient range/payload for nuclear deterrence?

Exactly. Stalin was not exactly known for his forbearing manner.

 

[Silencer1]

Hi!


The inscriptions below the drawing has say: "This is an articles' author impression on possible layout of "Twin Tu-4", as it has been proposed by Martynenko and Rooter. This drawing hasn't demonstrate the potential decreasing of firing stations".


Perhaps, inside the article, there were more information on this "double"?

 

[Jemiba]

This "Tu-4 Double" does not look too practical as the wing join point appears very flimsy ...

The outer wings may have been replaced by a more squared central part, as in the He 111Z.
But as mentioned, track width could be a problem around 50 meters !

 

[hesham]

Great find my dear Cy-27.

 

[Tuizentfloot]

See article by S.D. Komissarov Tu-4 predlagali "sdvoit'"… in Kryl'ja Rodiny 9-10.2013, 82-85.
Was an idea of L.I. Martynenko and D.M. Ruter from NII VVS.
Hoped to reach 11000 km with a bomb load of 3000 kg at 3000 m.
Idea was submitted to Aviaprom and VVS.
Tupolev himself was negative about the idea.

 

[hesham]

See article by S.D. Komissarov Tu-4 predlagali "sdvoit'"… in Kryl'ja Rodiny 9-10.2013, 82-85.
Was an idea of L.I. Martynenko and D.M. Ruter from NII VVS.
Hoped to reach 11000 km with a bomb load of 3000 kg at 3000 m.
Idea was submitted to Aviaprom and VVS.
Tupolev himself was negative about the idea.

Just seen,good info,thanks.