Il-78M-90A: A Long, Complicated Designation for an Exciting New Refueling Aircraft Unveiled
The new Tu-160 needs a new refueling aircraft and there’s one. It’s called Il-78M-90A and it’s able to fill almost all types of aircraft right in the air. On January 25, the new Il took off for the first time in Ulyanovsk. The aircraft was assembled at the local factory, so it’s also the first Russian tanker. In Soviet times, they were produced in Uzbekistan, as we know. If the aircraft passes all the tests, it'll join the Russian Army, and experts say it'll increase several-fold the capabilities of the front-line and strategic aviation.
Ruslan Bekbulatov saw the first flight.
- Take off!
- 240.
The day that will leave its mark in the Russian aviation history. The first refueling aircraft assembled in post-Soviet Russia takes off from the Vostochny airfield to hit the skies over Ulyanovsk. Il-78M-90A. The flight lasts a little over 20 minutes. The Aviastar-SP plant staff is watching from the ground every movement of the plane.
- It landed!
The experienced crew headed by the test pilot, Hero of Russia Nikolai Kuimov, is welcomed with flowers and applause on the ground.
- Let's applaud!
Nikolai Kuimov, test pilot: "I'd like to thank the people, many thousands of people who created this plane. It'll become a reliable defense and protection of our country".
This tanker is built on the basis of the newest air-lifter Il-76MD-90A. It became more effective and cost-efficient. It'll be able to give more fuel at longer distances from the airfield.
Andrei Yurasov, chief designer: "It has new flight navigation complex, a new connection system, a new defense system. These means allow it to fulfill any tasks set to the long-range air force with high effectiveness".
So far, this is a unique plane and it was ordered by the Defense Ministry. In the future, it'll become the main tanker in the long-range and front-line air force. After the first takeoff, the airfield staff carefully cover the aircraft engines with canvas bags. Il-78M-90A has many tests ahead, and if everything goes according to the schedule, in 2020-2021, the aircraft will start its military service.
Ruslan Bekbulatov, Daniil Yekimov, Mikhail Sitnikov, Vesti, the Ulyanovsk Region