The advanced transport aircraft family will be developed in Russia by 2025; it will comprise three aircraft having a higher capacity compared to the existing models, RIA Novosti reports with reference to a source close to military-industrial sector.

“Advanced transport aircraft will be developed. This aircraft family will comprise three jets: heavy, “very heavy” and “super heavy” ones. However, there are no performance specifications, no contracts and so no research and development work has been started yet. This is kind of independent development, but it is carried out taking into account possible requirements of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The development should be completed by 2025,” the source said.

According to the source, Ilyushin design bureau will be the main contractor in the network of this project; however, the jets will be developed in cooperation with other enterprises of the Russian aircraft industry as in case with Il-76 project (its components are being assembled in Kazan, Ulyanovsk and Voronezh).

“We must take into account a long-term outlook; we will be operating Il-76 jets for 10 more years and then we will have to replace them. This will be a brand-new product. For example, Il-76 is unable to transport Armata tanks, that is why a larger aircraft is required,” the source explained.

The developed transport aircraft will be powered by new Russian-produced engines and fitted with new Russian aircraft systems.