Russia’s Il-76MD-90A Completes Initial Tests

Russia’s Il-76MD-90A transport plane has completed logistics tests and initial factory flight tests, state-owned UAC announced on Friday.

The aircraft will be flown to the base in Zhukovsky after undergoing remaining factory flight tests, where second round of testing will commence, UAC said in a statement.

“This year, the plant put into operation three serial aircraft. The 2019 production program provides for the construction and transfer to the customer of two more machines,” UAC said.

In late 2012, Russia signed a contract worth 140 billion rubles ($2.1 billion) with the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) for 39 Il-76MD-90A military transport planes to the Russian Armed Forces. The Defense Ministry announced its plan to place an order for 100 additional Ilyushin planes in March 2019.

The Il-76MD-90A is an upgraded version of the IL-76MD, which is based on the IL-76 cargo aircraft platform. The aircraft is developed to transport a range of military equipment, armed personnel, heavy and long size vehicles and cargoes. The latest modification is distinguished by new equipment, including a glass cockpit, modern PS-90A-76 engines, a modified wing and reinforced chassis. Il-76MD-90A is used to develop Il-78M-90A air tanker.