The first antisubmarine Il-38 aircraft of Russian navy was delivered to Myasishchev Design Bureau, Voenno-Promishlenny Courier reports.

The upgrading of the aircraft will be carried out in accordance with the work design documentation elaborated by Ilyushin Company. It will take at least one year. Ilyushin Company and Myasishchev Design Bureau have signed the corresponding contract. In accordance with the contract the enterprises will be upgrading the Il-38 aircraft on parity basis. As reported by mass media, the upgrading of Il-38 carried out by two enterprises simultaneously will help speed up the process. Each enterprise is capable of upgrading Il-38 turboprops. The flight testing of upgraded Il-38N aircraft will be carried out by Ilyushin Company.

The upgrading of antisubmarine Il-38 aircraft is being carried out in accordance with the State Arms Program for the period until 2020. Among other things, the aircraft are fitted with advanced navigation and weapon-aiming system. Il-38 aircraft is equipped with “Novella” navigation and weapon-aiming system. 

The upgraded aircraft is designated as Il-38N.