New generation Il-76 military transporter knocks at India's doors

Designated as the IL-76MF, the successor to the legendary military transport plane, IL-76 marked its maiden flight in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on September 30, 2010. The new generation plane is intended to make a strong case for sale to India as New Delhi has of late been buying U.S. C-17 and C130J Hercules aircraft which are several times more expensive than the Russian airlifter. India has a requirement for over 25 military heavy lift planes over the next 10 years. The IL-76MF provides 25% increase in transport efficiency, 15 ton increase of take-off weight, enlarged fuselage by 6 m and 20 ton increase of load-carrying capacity, according to IRKUT which is marketing the aircraft. It is equipped with new PS-90A-76 engines and the new integrated piloting and navigation equipment complies with all International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)requirements on noise, emission, navigation accuracy and flights safety. More than 900 IL-76 aircraft of different modifications were delivered to the customers from various countries of the world.