Prototype of Il-78M-90A tanker aircraft will perform its maiden flight in 2016, Interfax reports with reference to Aviastar-SP (part of United Aircraft Corporation) CEO Sergey Dementyev.

“The major goal for the next year is to carry out the maiden flight of the first prototype. This jet will be involved in state testing. We hope to sign one more state contract following the results of these tests,” S. Dementyev said.

He added that at present Aviastar is assembling the aircraft’s fuselage.