Ilyushin Il-76

The Ilyushin Il-76 (NATO reporting name: Candid) is a multi-purpose four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter designed by the Soviet Union's Ilyushin design bureau. It was first planned as a commercial freighter in 1967, as a replacement for the Antonov An-12. It was designed to deliver heavy machinery to remote, poorly served areas. Military versions of the Il-76 have been widely used in Europe, Asia and Africa, including use as an aerial refueling tanker or command center.

The Il-76 has seen extensive service as a commercial freighter for ramp-delivered cargo, especially for outsized or heavy items unable to be otherwise carried. It has also been used as an emergency response transport for civilian evacuations as well as for humanitarian aid and disaster relief around the world. Because of its ability to operate from unpaved runways, it has been useful in undeveloped areas. Specialized models have also been produced for aerial firefighting and zero-G training.

Users

 * Algeria
 * Algerian Air Force x 18
 * Angola
 * Angolan Air Force x 1
 * Armenia
 * Armenian Air Force x 3
 * Azerbaijan
 * Azerbaijan Air and Air Defence Force x 1
 * Belarus
 * Belarussian Air Force x 4
 * People's Republic of China
 * People's Liberation Army Air Force x 17 + 30 Il-76MD-90A on order
 * India
 * Indian Air Force x 24
 * Iran
 * Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force x 17
 * Iraq
 * Iraqi Air Force x 2
 * Libya
 * Libyan Air Force x 17
 * Russia
 * Russian Air Force x 120 + 39 Il-76MD-90A on order
 * Syria
 * Syrian Arab Air Force x 4
 * Ukraine
 * Ukrainian Air Force x 6
 * Uzbekistan
 * Uzbekistan Air Force x 6
 * Yemen
 * Yemen Air Force x 3

Related

 * Beriev A-50
 * Beriev A-100
 * Ilyushin Il-78

Comparable Aircraft

 * Antonov An-70
 * Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
 * Bombardier CC-194 Galaxy
 * Lockheed C-141 Starlifter
 * Xian Y-20