Rostec’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) continues to expand the number of brand-new Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A heavy military transport aircraft in service. In November UAC handed over another Il-76MD-90A to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The previous plane was delivered in October. The export-oriented version of the aircraft is the Il-76MD-90A(E).
The aircraft features improved specifications compared to the previous variants of the Il-76. In particular, the flight range and the payload capacity have been increased, as well as the accuracy of flight navigation and landing, and the quality of radio communications. The ability of the aircraft to successfully perform tasks in harsh environments (including the mountainous areas) is also enhanced by the ability to operate from unpaved airfields.
The plane can be converted into ambulance or fire-fighting versions.
“The Il-76MD-90A is a deeply upgraded modification of the renowned Soviet-designed Il-76. It has received a new engine, an improved wing structure, and a ‘glass cockpit’; it also features an extended flight range and payload capacity. Actually, this is a new aircraft meeting all modern requirements, which will become the basis of Russian aviation” said Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec.
One of the main differences from the Il-76’s previous models is the use of more powerful PS-90A-76 turbofan engines. These engines provide improved take-off and landing, cruising performance, increased payload, longer flight range, increased efficiency by reducing fuel consumption, and meet high environmental requirements for noise and emissions of harmful substances.
The UAC has also created the brand-new version of the Il-78 aerial tanker, the Il-78M90-A (export variant – Il-78MK-90A). The Il-78МК-90А tanker has improved aerial refueling equipment, can carry more fuel, and has a longer life. It can refuel up to four aircraft on the ground and one or two aircraft in the air. Apart from its main mission it can be converted into a transport plane. If converted, the Il-78MK-90A carries a 60 ton or up to 225 servicemen. During the conversion process, the fuselage fuel tanks and outboard refueling units are dismantled.
