Ilyushin Il-78

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The Ilyushin Il-78 (NATO reporting name Midas) is a Soviet four-engined aerial refueling tanker based on the Il-76 strategic airlifter.

Variants[edit | edit source]

  • Il-78: The Il-78 was the original production version with two removable fuselage tanks and a maximum transferable load of 85.72 tonnes (188,540 lb).
  • Il-78T: Alternative designation for Il-78 due to retention of all cargo handling equipment and convertible freight hold.
  • Il-78M: The Il-78M entered service in 1987 as a dedicated tanker equipped with three permanent fuselage tanks, a higher gross weight of 210 tonnes, and no cargo door or cargo handling equipment. The cargo ramp is retained but non-functional. Total fuel capacity is 138 tonnes (303,600 lb), of which 105.7 tonnes (232,540 lb) is transferable.
  • Il-78M2: Modernization of Il-78/78M aircraft, using same parts as used in newly produced Il-78M-90A and Il-76MD-90A variants, to enhance service life from 30 to 40 years. First modernized aircraft was rolled out on August 25th 2019.
  • Il-78M-90A (Il-478): An upgraded variant based on the Il-76MD-90A. First prototype was rolled out on November 29th 2017, and performed its maiden flight on January 25th 2018.
  • Il-78ME: Export version of Il-78M.
  • Il-78MKI: Customized variant of the Il-78ME for the Indian Air Force. These Uzbekistan-built planes are fitted with Israeli fuel transfer systems and can refuel six-eight Sukhoi Su-30MKIs in one mission.
  • Il-78MP: Multi-role aerial refuelling tanker/transport aircraft, with removable fuel tanks in cargo hold and UPAZ refuelling pods, for the Pakistan Air Force, and PLAAF.

Users[edit | edit source]

  • Algeria
    • Algerian Air Force x 6
  • Angola
    • Angolan Air Force x 2
  • People's Republic of China
    • People's Liberation Army Air Force x 4
  • India
    • Indian Air Force x 12
  • Libya
    • Libyan Air Force x 4
  • Pakistan
    • Pakistan Air Force x 4
  • Russia
    • Russian Air Force x 20
  • Soviet Union
    • Soviet Air Force
  • Ukraine
    • Ukrainian Air Force x 10
  • Venezuela
    • Venezuelan Air Force x 4