The new Russian Il-78M-90A tanker aircraft will be able to transport up to 110 tons of fuel thanks to two additional fuel tanks, TASS reports with reference to Aviastar-SP CEO Sergey Dementyev.

“Objective for the next year is to carry out the maiden flight of Il-78M-90A aircraft. It is the first flying prototype intended for state testing. We hope to sign a contract upon completion of these tests,” he said.

Dementyev noted that each additional fuel tank might carry more than 50 tons of fuel. The jet may be refueled from the rear side and from the side of its wing. Three aircraft may be refueled in the air simultaneously. It was reported earlier that four aircraft might be refueled simultaneously on the ground.

The vehicle should become the major tanker aircraft designed for aerial refueling of fighters, bombers and special-purpose aircraft.

The new Il-78 is powered by four PS-90A-76 engines with an augmented takeoff thrust: two modes may be used – maximum augmented thrust (16 tons) and maximum thrust (14,5 tons).