The sight of it has become rare, but it still exists, the most hard-working workhorse of the Russian Air Force, the Ilyushin Il-76. The latest version of the classic transporter, the Ilyushin Il-76MD-90AE, was on display at the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh.
Ilyushin is part of the state-owned UAC, the United Aircraft Corporation, which also includes SukhoiMikoyan-Gurevich, Tupolev and Irkut (Beriyev and Yakovlev).
One new feature of the latest Transporter version is immediately recognizable at first glance, namely the MOEVS-90A Multi Channel Optical Electronic System mounted under the nose. Other significant electronic upgrades include the PNPK Sighting Navigational Piloting System, which includes a GPS/GLONASS Satellite and Inertial Navigation System, GPWS System, TCAS System, TACAN System, Automatic Digital Control System, Weather Navigation Radar and Surface Surveillance Radar.
In addition, there is a new self-protection system against many types of threats, the so-called SPS President-S Airborne Defense System, which consists of a Radar Warning System Receiver (RWR), Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), Jammer, Laser Directed Infrared Counter Measures (LASER DIRCM), Counter Measures Despensing System (CMDS) and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Ilyushin and Rosoboronexport, the state monopoly exporter of Russian armaments, highlight the electronic innovations in a promotional film.
Other significant new features include four new Aviadwigatel PS-90A-76 engines and completely redesigned wings. The overhead cranes mounted in the cargo hold enable autonomous loading and unloading, which is an advantage in an emergency on unpaved runways and landing zones. The four hoists can each lift three tons at their outermost points. The versatile cargo hold, which can accommodate armored vehicles or airborne troops, which can also be brought to the landing zone on two levels, as is typical for Ilyushin, can also accommodate two Mil Mi-171s, two Black Hawks or three Bell 212 helicopters if required. Alternatively, the cargo hold can also accommodate three 20ft containers.
At the World Defense Show 2024, Ilyushin was more or less able to show the model in action, as it was used to bring the heavy armored Russian vehicles ZA.SpN Titan and MBA-590955-1s Spartak to the show.
With all these innovations, this all-rounder will probably continue to make a significant contribution to the military’s fulfillment of many requirements. As the aircraft now also meets all ICAO requirements, this could well open up the market for civilian customers for Ilyushin. As a result, we will certainly be seeing this now legendary aircraft type for many years to come – but probably hardly ever in Europe. At the World Defense Show, there was certainly a great deal of interest in the aircraft, especially from African delegations.
Technical data:
- Length: 46.6 meters
- Wingspan: 50.5 meters
- Height: 14.4 meters
- Crew: 4
- Cargo hold length: 20 meters
- Cargo hold volume: 321 cubic meters
- Cruising speed: 700-800 km/h
- Flight altitude: up to 12,200 meters
- Maximum payload: 60 tons
- Maximum take-off weight: 210 tons
- Range with maximum payload: 4,000 kilometers
- Range with 52 tons of freight: 5,000 kilometers
- Range without freight: 9,200 kilometers
