50 upgraded Il-76MD military transport planes may be ordered
The Il-76MD-90A(E) heavy transport plane became a major attraction of Russia’s full-scale exposition at the Dubai aerospace show: the upgraded aircraft was demonstrated abroad for the first time in Russia’s modern history
Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboron export is holding talks on the sale of 40-50 upgraded Il-76MD-90A military transport planes to foreign customers, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev said at the Dubai Airshow 2023 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday.
“The interest is great. I would not name the countries. They include, in particular, countries from this region, which want to have such a fleet of military transport planes, CIS states and countries of Southeast Asia. So far, we have in our negotiating position from 40 to 50 Il-76MD planes with new engines, a new wing, new equipment, new performance and operational characteristics and, incidentally with a unique President-S defensive aide suite,” the chief executive said.
The Il-76MD-90A(E) heavy transport plane became a major attraction of Russia’s full-scale exposition at the Dubai aerospace show: the upgraded aircraft was demonstrated abroad for the first time in Russia’s modern history.
The Il-76MD-90A is a heavy upgrade of the Il-76MD plane outfitted with PS-90A-76 engines with 10% lower fuel consumption. The new military transport plane made of domestic components is capable of carrying a payload of 52 metric tons to an extended range of 5,000 km. It can also carry a broader range of transportable and air-droppable hardware and armaments.
The Il-76MD-90A features improved basic performance characteristics as compared to its predecessor. In particular, it boasts an extended flight range and a larger payload. In addition, its air navigation and airdrop accuracy and radio communications have been improved. The upgraded military transport plane has 70% of its systems and assemblies renewed.
The Dubai Airshow is one of the world’s largest aerospace exhibitions held once every two years. Russia has been a participant in Dubai aerospace shows since 1993. This year, 20 national pavilions at the Dubai Airshow are demonstrating over 180 fixed-and rotary-wing aircraft of more than 1,400 producers. The Dubai aerospace show is running on November 13-17.
