NK-144

The NK-144 was derived from a strategic bomber engine and kept its afterburner — at cruising supersonic speed it ran continuously. Hence the main problem of the Tu-144: fuel consumption was such that range fell short of the design figure, while noise and vibration in the cabin made conversation difficult. Later attempts were made to re-engine the aircraft with non-afterburning RD-36-51A units, which solved the economy question, but the programme was already winding down. The story of the NK-144 shows plainly how an engine decides an aircraft's fate. On display is an engine with a sectioned afterburner and variable nozzle.