Originally a Soviet design, this aircraft is unusual for several reasons. Notably the designers opted for fixed-undercarriage to reduce cost and complexity, a unique choice for a jet airliner. Also, an unusual degree of automation enabled single-crew operation.

It saw little service with Aeroflot, but was unusual for a Soviet design for being license-built by a Western manufacturer. The manufacturer had not previously built aircraft, but they were traditionally associated with polymer molding and the fact the Tu-164 was largely of polymer construction made them confident in this new direction for the company.

The plane saw some success in the 1970's with North and South American regional carriers seeking to quickly build fleets; they were attracted by its low cost of acquisition and the cost-savings associated with single-crew operation. However it was ultimately doomed by its limited passenger capacity and few remained in service by the 1990's.

Almost forgotten, there is little information online about this unique aircraft. But it was extensively documented in the 2000's by Tim Vasquez.

https://www.weathergraphics.com/tim/fisher/