Transport Aircraft to Fulfill New Combat Role

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Crews of Il-76MD tactical transport aircraft practiced ground target bombing at ranges in the Tver region of Russia. The tests mean an expanded role for the tactical transport aircraft in which it will be able to attack ground targets before approaching a landing area in a contested zone. Russian aircraft operating in Syria have come under attack from rebel positions and an attack-capable Il-76MD could be in response to such threats, evaluates defenseworld.net.

The piloting crews carried out firing at ground targets, which imitated light-armored and automobile hardware of the mock enemy. More than ten Il-76MD aircraft were involved with each crew carried out three sorties, a Russian MoD announcement said.

The Il-76MD military transport aircraft is meant for parachute operations and landing of military personnel, military equipment, cargoes, fuel and containers, according to Ilyushin company information. By reinforcing its airframe and landing gear, the maximum takeoff weight and load-carrying capacity have been increased.

The aircraft is equipped with 4 turbojet double-flow engines, the D-30KP series 2, with the thrust of 12,000 kgf each.

The Il-76MD has a powerful wing-flap system and bogie landing gear with a highly effective brake system, which allows takeoff and landing operations on unpaved airstrips.

The aircraft has an airproof freight compartment and a loading ramp to ensure convenient loading/unloading operations and parachuting of military personnel and cargo.