"A difficult path to serial production": German press about the Il-76MD-90A aircraft
For many years, the Il-76 has been the "workhorse" of the Russian Air Force in the class of transport vehicles. This aircraft will retain this role for a long time, since serial production of a fundamentally new version of the Il-76MD-90A was launched at the facilities of Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk.
As noted by the German edition of Flug Revue, the most modern version of the Il-76 can hardly be called a completely new technique. The aircraft began to be created back in 2006 and took off in 2012. At the same time, 39 IL-76MD-90A boards were ordered. However, it was not until April 2019 that the first "real" production aircraft was delivered.
- writes the German press.
Aviastar-SP plans to start production of 12 aircraft per year, and then reach the level of 18 aircraft.
- asks Flug Revue.
In his words, the new modification "is fundamentally different from the original version, which first took off in 1971". IL-76MD-90A has completely redesigned wings, which are 2700 kg lighter. Under them are four PS-90A-76 engines, which operate 20% more economically than the previously used D-30KP2, but at the same time provide a third more thrust and increase the flight range by 18%. Carrying capacity increased from 48 to 60 tons. The chassis has been reinforced. The aircraft received new avionics, advanced protection systems, a navigation system, and equipment for accurate cargo release.
As indicated by Flug Revue, the Il-76MD-90A has gone "a difficult path to serial construction." Now, in his person, the Russian Air Force has received a new reliable "workhorse".
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