© Ilyushin Aviation Complex
Russian Aviaton » Thursday January 25, 2018 19:23 MSK
Russia’s latest Ilyushin Il-78M-90A aerial refueling
tanker has performed its debut flight, the Ilyushin Aircraft Company told TASS
on Thursday.
"Today, on January 25, the flight model of the
Il-78M-90A perspective aerial refueling plane performed its first flight. The
plane was piloted by Ilyushin Chief Pilot, Hero of Russia, Merited Test Pilot
of Russia Nikolai Kuimov," the company said in a statement.
Vice-President of the United Aircraft Corporation and CEO
of the Ilyushin Aircraft Company Alexei Rogozin said that some foreign partners
were showing interest in the latest aerial refueling tanker.
"Today the upgraded Il-78M-90A aerial tanker
performed its first flight, which lasted 35 minutes. The new plane differs from
its predecessor by its modified wing, new engines and the control system, and
also has a large lifting capacity and a big volume of fuel carried aboard. The
plane has been developed for Russia’s Aerospace Force but some of our foreign
partners are also showing interest in the tanker," Rogozin said.
Russia’s improved aerial refueler modification is derived
from the latest Il-76MD-90A military transport plane while its designing, the
development of design documentation and its production were carried out using
modern digital technologies.
The perspective aerial refueling plane boasts an
increased flight range thanks to its four PS-90A-76 new-generation engines and
can take a larger amount of fuel on its board for aircraft refueling compared
to previous models. These engines consume 12-14% less fuel than D-30KP motors
mounted on earlier modifications of aerial fueling tankers.
Besides, the latest refueler features a completely new
aircraft navigation system and also an all-glass cockpit, which helps reduce
the crew workload and enhance flight safety.
The aircraft is furnished with three hose and drogue air
refueling pods: two units on the outer wings and one on the right side of the
rear fuselage. The Il-78M-90A will be capable of refueling two frontline
aviation planes at a time. The tail unit allows refueling long-range and
special aviation aircraft. On the ground, the Il-78M-90A can simultaneously
refuel four planes.
"The latest Il-78M-90A aerial refueling tanker has
retained its capability as a military transport plane. Re-equipping won’t
require a large volume of work and can be carried in aerodrome conditions. If
necessary, fire-fighting equipment can be mounted on it," the company said.
Ilyushin IL-76MD-90A: Details
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