Ilyushin Il-38

The Ilyushin Il‑38 is a maritime patrol and anti‑submarine warfare aircraft developed by the Soviet Union’s Ilyushin Design Bureau in the early 1960s. It was derived from the Il‑18 airliner, sharing the same four‑engine turboprop layout but reinforced for naval operations. First flight occurred on 30 May 1967, and the aircraft entered service with the Soviet Naval Aviation in 1971, later being adopted by the Russian Navy and several allied states. The Il‑38 features a spacious, pressurised fuselage that houses a sophisticated suite of sonar, radar and magnetic anomaly detectors, enabling it to locate and track submerged targets over long distances. Its 13‑meter wingspan and high‑lift devices provide excellent low‑speed handling for extended loiter periods, while its twin‑engine PS‑90A turboprop powerplants deliver a maximum range of roughly 7,000 km. Over 200 units were built, and the type remains a workhorse for maritime surveillance, search‑and‑rescue and environmental monitoring missions. The Il‑38’s longevity underscores its robust design and adaptability, marking it as a cornerstone of Cold‑War era naval aviation and a continuing asset in modern maritime security. Its continued upgrades, including modern electronic warfare packages and improved avionics, keep it relevant in today’s contested seas.

Ilyushin

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