Russian Ministry of Defence commissions new Il-78M-90A airplane tanker

In March, the Il-78M-90A aircraft underwent a number of ground tests. The plant flight trails of the newest Russian Il-78M-90A tanker are scheduled for July.

At present, the Il-78M-90A aircraft built at the Ulyanovsk Aviastar-SP Aviation Enterprise is passing ground trials, which includes, among others, testing of the fuel system.

The maiden flight of IL-78M-90A was made in January 2018.

The new airplane tanker was developed on the basis of the Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft. The upgraded version is equipped with four PS-90A new generation engines. The aircraft navigation system has been completely renewed. Also, the new cockpit is used to reduce loads and increase flight safety.

IL-78M-90A will allow simultaneous refuelling two short-range aircraft. It is also possible to refuel long-range and special aircraft from the tail assembly. When using the Il-78M-90A on the ground, it is proposed to simultaneously fuel up to four tactical aircraft.