The first serially produced IL-76MD-90A military transport aircraft was delivered to Russian Defense Ministry on December 2. The Il-76...
The first serially produced IL-76MD-90A military transport aircraft was delivered to Russian Defense Ministry on December 2.
The Il-76MD-90A strategic airlifter is a modernised version of the proven IL-76MD transport plane, featuring improved reliability, fuel efficiency, performance, range and payload capacity.
Named after the Russian aircraft designer Viktor Livanov, the aircraft (serial number 0105) was produced by Aviastar from its Ulyanovsk plant.
The aircraft marks the first IL-76 ever produced in Russia, which were earlier produced at the Tashkent plant in Uzbekistan.
The upgrade include a new wing, strengthened airframe, modernized avionics with glass cockpit and new engine. The new avionics system considerably increases flight safety by improving situational awareness and reducing crew workload. Cargo handling and airdrop precision has also been improved.
Il-76MD-90A can carry an increased cargo of up to 60 tons.
The four D-30KP-2 engines has been replaced by the newer Aviadvigatel PS-90A-76 turbofan engines that increases aircraft fuel efficiency, reliability and conforms to the modern ICAO European noise and emission limitations.
Russian Defense Ministry has placed order for 39 of the type for $ 4.5 billion in 2012, which are to be delivered by 2020.
Aviastar is also assembling an aerial refueling tanker based on the IL-76MD-90A.
The type first flew in 1971 and more than 900 aircraft were built. The IL-76 has the typical airlifter design consisting a high wing and a T tail.
Russian Air Force is the major operator of the type, with more than 200 in fleet. A Commercial freighter, aerial refueling variant designated IL-78, Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft designated A-50 are the major variants of the IL-76.
