Ilyushin - Il-76
The Il-76 was developed as a jet transport for the Soviet air force, capable of delivering cargo, troops or vehicles to austere airfields with short runways, and capable of operating in extreme conditions. To enable this, the Il-76 has relatively powerful engines, extensive high lift devices, a high flotation landing gear, APU and comprehensive cargo handling equipment. In addition the Il-76 can self refuel/defuel.
For civilian operators involved in such tasks as mineral exploitation and infrastructure development in isolated locations; such attributes and capabilities are valuable and as such Aeroflot received one hundred and fifty aircraft. Civilian versions of the IL-76 are the 76T and 76TD; the 76T featuring additional fuel tankage in the wing centre section. The 76TD in addition features uprated Soloviev D-30KP-1 engines which give improved performance in ‘hot and high’ take offs. Civilian Il-76s do not feature the rear gun position of military variants although ex military aircraft are seen in civilian service and vice versa. A total of fifty four Il-76Ts have been built delivery taking place between July 1972 and January 1990. During the period February 1978 to April 2005 one hundred and ninety five IL-76TDs were delivered mainly to Aeroflot. Including military versions; eight hundred and ninety nine IL-76s have been delivered to operators
In August 1995 the first IL-76MF a stretched military version with PS-90AN engines rated at 156.9 kn flew; the aircraft has been stretched by two plugs fore and aft of the wings increasing length to 53.19m. Range with a 40.000 kg payload is 5200km and operating economics are said to be improved by 30% in comparison with the IL-76TD.Hold volume is increased to 400m³ The civil version of this aircraft is designated IL-76TF . A PS-90 powered version of the standard airframe the IL-76-90VD flew in September 2005.
