Ilyushin Il-102

The Ilyushin Il‑102 was a Soviet single‑seat, twin‑engine ground‑attack aircraft designed in the early 1970s by the Ilyushin Design Bureau. Development began in 1969 as a response to the Soviet Air Force’s requirement for a dedicated close‑support plane that could operate from unpaved fields and deliver heavy ordnance with high survivability. The prototype, powered by two Soloviev D‑30 turbofans, first flew on 7 July 1976, showcasing a rugged airframe, high‑mounted straight wings, and extensive armor protecting the cockpit and vital systems. Armament options included a 30 mm cannon, up to 2 000 kg of external stores, and provisions for rockets and missiles, all integrated with a modern (for the era) navigation‑attack suite. Despite its promising performance—maximum speed of 1 050 km/h and a combat radius of about 800 km—the Il‑102 suffered from weight growth, limited maneuverability compared to the venerable Su‑25, and shifting Soviet procurement priorities, leading to the cancellation of series production in 1979. Although only a handful of prototypes were built, the aircraft demonstrated the feasibility of a high‑speed, heavily armored attack platform and influenced later designs, cementing its place as a noteworthy, though short‑lived, chapter in Soviet aviation history.

Ilyushin

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Design & Classification