The Tu-144LL Supersonic Flying Laboratory dates back to a time when NASA collaborated with the American and Russian aerospace industries on a joint international research programme lasting five years. This aircraft's maiden flight took place on 13 April 1981 in Voronezh, USSR, when it was registered as CCCP-73114. In 1996, the aircraft was modified to serve as a flying laboratory and re-registered as RA-77114 by Tupolev/NASA. The final flight of the Tu-144LL and the last ever flight of a Tu-144 took place on 14 April 1999 at Zhukovsky.

Painted back into original Aeroflot colors and registration. Seen here in preparation for static display on a roundabout next to Zhukovski airport.

First flew in 1981 as a Tu-144D. Modified to Tu-144LL testbed in 1996. Flew a joint series of test flights for NASA ending on 11.02.98, when it was retired.

This 144 was the last built and accumulated only 82 h flight time before being modified to LL (Flying laboratory) specifications. These mods included the installation of sophiticated instrumentation, upgraded engines and a crew emergency escape system that enabled the airframe to participate in a joint supersonic flight research program involving TupolevANTK and NASA.

First flew 13.4.81 as a Tu-144D and set several records in 1983. After fitment of new engines, made 32 flights under the NASA High Speed Research Program, the last on 11.2.98. Reportedly sold to a Texas businessman for $11m but remains wfu at Zhukovsky