Ulyanovsk-based Aviastar-SP started production of the first test Il-78M-90A next-generation tanker aircraft developed by Ilyushin Company. The assembly of fuselage sections and wing is underway. The work is being carried out under the contract with Russian Ministry of Defense for development of the next-generation tanker aircraft, press-service of Ilyushin Company reports.

“This Il-78M-90A aircraft will be the first tanker aircraft manufactured in Russia. Earlier all the tankers were assembled by Tashkent Aviation Production Association named after V.P. Chkalov (TAPOiCh, Uzbekistan). Il-78M-90A was derived from Il-76MD-90A jet. In accordance with the customer’s requirements the aircraft must be able to serve as a military-transport jet: it must have a ramp, aerial delivery system and it must be able to use fire-fighting equipment. The aircraft can also be fitted with fueling equipment – additional fuel tanks located inside the cabin and universal suspended fueling equipment,” the company noted.

Il-78M-90A aircraft will be the primary tanker aircraft used to refuel aircraft operated by long-range, frontline and special aviation. The jet allows refueling two aircraft simultaneously (like Su-27 and MiG-29) using fueling equipment mounted on its wing. The tail fueling equipment is designed for refueling of long-range and special aviation aircraft. Moreover, Il-78M-90A is capable of refueling up to 4 aircraft simultaneously while on the ground, Ilyushin Company noted.

“The jet is powered by four PS-90A-76 engines with an increased bypass ratio and takeoff thrust (one of two modes may be activated during takeoff: maximum contingency rating with a thrust of 16 tons and maximum rating with a thrust of 14,5 tons). Specific fuel consumption of PS-90A-76 engine is 12-14% lower compared to D-30KP engine. Design and development of design documentation as well as production of the jet is being carried out using “paperless technology”, the press-service added.