military transport variant bomber similar new purpose designed fuselage soviet military machine class equipped rear fuselage loading ramp placed production decided cheaper modify existing transport mission use existing transports design development began work september military transport version confirmed march state trials begin august process maximum use components engines fuel injected version new narrower fuselage designed included rear cargo hatch vehicle loading ramp exit doors gun turrets dorsal ventral tail adapted fitted prototype crew gunners radio operator navigator pilots aircraft intended different roles transport parachute transport aerial ambulance role designed carry assault guns artillery seven guns prime combination equipment facilitate loading cargo mounted ceiling cargo hold capacity carry troops fully loaded standard parachute loads aerial ambulance carry medical operational history construction prototype prolonged aircraft finished november flight taking place january finished manufacturer trials following decided submit state acceptance trials decided cheaper rely existing transports modify bombers cargo role prototype map russian crashed october specifications data characteristics crew length wingspan height wing area weight loaded weight useful load max takeoff weight powerplant cylinder row radial engine performance maximum speed mph cruise speed knots mph stall speed knots mph range service ceiling rate climb min wing loading power mass armament cannon planned
Tupolev Tu-75